Ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears are widely-expected to be one of the more active teams.
With Caleb Williams healthy and playing well, the right coaching staff in place, and a defense that's exceeded expectations in some regards, the Bears look like they're just a piece or two away from being a Super Bowl team.
The trade deadline can be a wild time. There's a lot of information being thrown around, tons of possible trade candidates, and insiders giving us plenty to talk about. But when it comes to these Bears, specifically, we've got you covered.
Let's dive into this year's deadline with everything fans need and want to know.
- Bears' top five trade needs
- Teams likely to be sellers at the NFL trade deadline
- Realistic Bears trade targets
- Long-shot trade targets for the Bears
- What NFL insiders are saying ahead of the trade deadline
- Dream outcomes for the Bears at the NFL trade deadline
Bears' top five trade needs
1. Cornerback
This is self-explanatory. While everybody wants to talk about the defensive line, the fact of the matter is, Chicago's outside cornerback situation is a mess. Jaylon Johnson is done. Tyrique Stevenson is profoundly inconsistent. And, Malik Muhammad is working through an injury.
2. Defensive tackle
With the way Dennis Allen has been able to scheme up pressure, and the flashes we've seen from some defensive ends, I would put defensive tackle higher on the list. Although defensive end is the sexier position by most accounts.
Still, the loss of Gervon Dexter Sr., via trade, is looking suspect at times. Chicago could use another playmaker up front in a big way. They're currently the third-best run defense, but getting pressure from the interior has been tough to come by.
3. Defensive end
Montez Sweat has hardly been missed during his two-game suspension. Dayo Odeyingbo's current absence is much tougher to stomach with the way he had been playing. The Bears have seen some good things out of Austin Booker and Daniel Hardy, meanwhile, and Dennis Allen has brought blitz from the secondary. That's helped.
Still, nothing can supplement a strong pass rusher, and the Bears just plain need another one.
4. Tight end
With Cole Kmet out for the season, there is a lot of speculation as to whether or not rookie Sam Roush can get the job done. If the first half of the season is any indication, that answer is undoubtedly "no." He's made mistakes, left and right, on all fronts.
5. Running back
Let me just make this clear: the Bears aren't trading for a running back. However, with Kyle Monangai missing as much time as he has, and Roschon Johnson not necessarily inspiring confidence, an RB3 upgrade would be nice.
The Bears don't need a running back if Monangai is going to be back, soon. But his injury makes this at least a little bit relevant.
You could argue a different order for the top 3 if you really wanted to, but the three at the top are the big ones.
Teams likely to be sellers at the NFL trade deadline
Indianapolis Colts (2-5)
The Colts are already in the midst of a fire sale, as we've seen even before the deadline has crept up. First was Chris Ballard out as GM. Next was a Quenton Nelson trade, followed swiftly by a DeForest Buckner deal.
Los Angeles Chargers (0-6)
To this point, the Chargers aren't letting the public know they're going to sell. But, we all know how this goes. They're not a playoff team. They've got plenty of issues to figure out. This might be a team that completely packs it in and resets the roster in the coming year.
Philadelphia Eagles (2-5)
With Jalen Hurts out for the season and their current record what it is, the Eagles are easy sellers. Howie Roseman is always active, and you can bet he's going to stack some capital where he can and reload for 2027.
Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
The Raiders are by no means out of it, but losing four in a row sure makes it feel like the snowball effect is already happening. We didn't think they'd be a good football team this year, and eventually, they'll let Fernando Mendoza take over. But, the first step is potentially dealing a player or two for some added capital going into Mendoza's Year 2.
Tennessee Titans (1-6)
The Titans are a mess. Nothing is working, especially in regards to Cam Ward. Tennessee is an easy seller. There's not much else that needs to be said, here.
Arizona Cardinals (2-5)
Whether it's Jacoby Brissett or Carson Beck, the Cardinals would be kidding themselves if they thought they had a long-term quarterback answer. Beyond quarterback, this team is simply lacking talent and they need additional capital to keep building for the future.
New York Jets (2-5)
Like the Cardinals, the Jets don't have their quarterback situation figured out, either. Fortunately, they already have three first-round picks for 2027. New York could continue stockpiling capital by dealing one or two additional players this year.
Miami Dolphins (1-5)
The Dolphins are a weird one, because they do have some really solid pieces in place to build upon for the future. However, there are a few veterans they could still part with after completing the majority of their fire sale previously.
Honorable mention: Washington Commanders (1-4-1)
The Commanders are another team that look like a total mess. The NFC East could still be wide-open, so it'll be interesting to see if Washington sells, buys or stands pat.
Realistic Bears trade targets
Khalil Mack, EDGE, Chargers
Everybody show me your fake-surprised face.
There isn't much that needs to be said. Bears fans know him well and still love him. Mack started hot with 3.0 sacks in four games. His production has slowed down the last couple of games, but the Chargers are also a train wreck.
You're telling me Mack gets to come back to Chicago, on a winning team and legitimate contender, and he's not totally reinvigorated?
Make it happen.
Possible compensation: 5th round pick
Kristian Fulton, CB, Chiefs
The Chiefs have not used Kristian Fulton as a starter due to their depth at the position, but Fulton is still a starting-quality corner in this league. If he's in Chicago, he's an immediate starter over either Johnson or Stevenson.
So far in limited snaps (84 in coverage) this year, Fulton is allowing an opposing quarterback rating of 16.7 and even has an interception.
Possible compensation: Conditional 6th round pick
Josh Sweat, EDGE, Cardinals
Bears fans have been reading about this guy for a while. He's another one whose production, in 2026, doesn't necessarily match the talent. Only 2.0 sacks on the season, but the Cardinals flat-out stink. It's tough to perform at your best when the team around you is terrible, not to mention offenses can pin-point Sweat as a focal point.
Sweat is locked in on a contract through 2028, but there is some flexibility to get out early if the unforeseeable happened.
Possible compensation: 3rd round pick, 6th round pick swap
Adetomiwa Adebawore, DT, Colts
Bears fans might not know much about this guy, but he's in the final year of his rookie contract and has really popped in 2026. He's been a bright spot for Indy. Just this past week, Adebawore finished with the week's highest pass rush win rate at a whopping 29.4%, and he's doing that from the interior.
He's only 25 years old and could be a cornerstone type of piece for this Bears defense going forward. This is a player the Bears trade for an extend, right away, if possible.
Possible compensation: 5th round pick
Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
This is a really interesting one, because Goedert is still absolutely a good football player. He's slowed down a bit, yes. But, when the Eagles have no one else to throw the ball to, he has some notable moments. He's still there. He's still catching touchdowns (two on the season).
But more than a receiving threat, Goedert is still a solid blocker, and that's one of the several areas Sam Roush has struggled in.
Possible compensation: 7th round pick
Riq Woolen, CB, Eagles
I am extremely hesitant on a potential Riq Woolen trade, especially after his Week 7 against Dallas. Woolen was burned left and right. His play is the literal definition of inconsistent and he reminds me of Tyrique Stevenson in many ways.
Still, he's a small step above Stevenson and might be worth a shot.
Possible compensation: 6th round pick swap
Moro Ojomo, DT, Eagles
He's in the final year of his contract and the Eagles are headed nowhere fast. This feels like the perfect opportunity for Howie Roseman to make a vital decision, trade Moro Ojomo, and use that pick next year on a guy who's going to somehow turn out to be an elite talent.
The 25-year-old is a disruptor. He's a force. He's precisely the type of player this Bears defense needs and would elevate the defensive line immediately.
Possible compensation: 3rd or 4th round pick
Zach Sieler, DE, Dolphins
The 31-year-old has taken just a small step back from where he was a couple of years ago, but Zach Sieler is still an effective player and would provide a big lift to this Bears defense. He has 13 quarterback pressures and 13 defensive stops on the season and wouldn't cost much at all.
Possible compensation: 6th round pick
Will McDonald, EDGE, Jets
This would be more of a wild-card attempt from Ryan Poles. Will McDonald is not even close to the guy Jets fans thought he'd be as a 2023 first-round pick, but his 10.5 sacks in 2024 and 8.5 in 2025 show that he can still be an effective player. He isn't cut out to be the transformative, clear-cut no. 1 guy who's going to demand attention, but as the Bears' no. 2 or no. 3, he'd be worth a shot.
Possible compensation: 5th round pick
Long-shot trade targets for the Bears
Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, Chargers
It's hard to see the Chargers trading Tuipulotu as the former second-round pick could get an extension this coming offseason and be a building block. The price would have to be somewhat steep, too, because otherwise Los Angeles would just take their chances at a compensatory pick next offseason.
Tuipulotu's sack production rose each of the first three years he's been in the league, but this season, he hasn't quite been the difference maker he was in 2025. With 2.0 sacks this season, I'd wonder if that would increase if he was playing for a contending team.
Possible compensation: 2nd round pick or combination of 3rd and 5th round picks
Maxx Crosby, EDGE, Raiders
Talk about a real long shot. I'm not sure the Raiders are going to trade Maxx Crosby at this point, especially because the price is going to be less than what it was when the Ravens traded a pair of firsts.
But, if the Bears could somehow land him, we'd all be thinking Super Bowl.
Possible compensation: 1st round pick, 3rd round pick
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Titans
Jeffery Simmons is arguably the most disruptive defensive tackle in the game, today. He's a menace in both the run game and at getting to the quarterback. He's on a long-term contract. The 29-year-old is right smack-dab in the middle of his prime.
Simmons already has 4.0 sacks on the year (remember, he's on the interior) and looks as good as he ever has.
But, much of the talk has been about the Bears giving up a first rounder for his services. And, personally, it's hard not to think that's a little too rich. Assuming the pick is in the back third of the order, it's not as hard to stomach.
Possible compensation: 1st or 2nd round pick
What NFL insiders are saying ahead of the trade deadline
Khalil Mack is a 'natural fit' for the Bears
"Returning to the Bears is a natural fit for the equivalent of a quality Day 3 pick."
-ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on 10/28
No one is 'off limits' for Colts to sell at deadline
"The Colts had serious trade interest in Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, and no one was expected to be off-limits if they decided to sell. Nelson is off to Seattle, and Buckner -- among others -- could be next."
-NFL insider Tom Pelissero on 10/27
The Bears were reportedly in on Quenton Nelson
"The Packers, Bears and Eagles were among teams that showed varying levels of interest in Quenton Nelson, per source. His market was strong."
-ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on 10/27
Bears are calling on big names like Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack and DeForest Buckner
"Two teams I'm watching very closely, the 49ers and Bears. I've heard both teams connected to several defensive players including rushers Josh Sweat, Khalil Mack and DeForest Buckner, along with some names who aren't necessarily on the trade block."
-NFL insider Jordan Schultz on 10/26
This only gives life to all of the other rumors swirling.
Adam Schefter hints Bears are already calling on Khalil Mack
"You have to wonder if a team like the Chicago Bears will keep calling"
-ESPN's Adam Schefter on 10/25
Could the much-anticipated reunion be on the way?
Moro Ojomo is likely to be moved by the deadline
"Defensive end Moro Ojomo, a 2027 free agent, has strong trade value, so if Philadelphia isn't going to re-sign him, it could get compensatory pick value (or better) for him now."
-ESPN's Jeremy Fowler on 10/21
Dream outcomes for the Bears at the NFL trade deadline
In the end, there are plenty of different scenarios Bears fans would be happy with. But, above the rest, I can think of two specific deadline outcomes that would have this fan base elated.
Khalil Mack returns to the Bears, Ryan Poles also gets CB help
Josh Sweat and Tuli Tuipulotu would qualify as "dream scenarios," but I can't think of many more moves that would ignite the city like bringing Mack back to Chicago.
The dream, with Mack, is if the Bears not only brought him in but also went after cornerback help, and more than depth in this case. Nahshon Wright is a nice thought as someone who could step in and play meaningful snaps, but what if the Bears traded for both Mack and Alontae Taylor?
Taylor isn't a name that we've mentioned, in here, but the Titans are downright terrible and could trade him. In an above link to a Jeremy Fowler piece, Fowler gives a Taylor trade about a 10 percent chance of happening.
Khalil Mack and Alontae Taylor? Sign me up.
The Raiders deal Maxx Crosby to Chicago, Bears go hard after Kristian Fulton
Of course, the dream scenario of all dream scenarios has to be if the Bears somehow landed Maxx Crosby this time around. There is no real inkling as to whether the Raiders would do it, especially since they do look fairly competitive at times, but that's why this qualifies as a dream.
After bringing in Crosby, the Bears go get Fulton from the Chiefs and solidify a starting cornerback position.
It's an AFC West two-fer, if you will.
Crosby and Fulton in Chicago?
Super Bowl.
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