With about a week to go until the NFL trade deadline, the Chicago Bears may face some interesting decisions, as their first trade might not be their last.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles already worked last week to acquire defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans. Chicago had to give up three draft picks, including two first-round picks, but that was exactly what they needed to land one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Even at the high cost of getting Simmons, the Bears still have some wiggle room if they want to make another move or two. It also looks like Poles might have another trick up his sleeve over the next week.
Ryan Poles might be looking to strike another trade for Bears
NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared the latest on the Bears and the trade deadline. It appears Simmons wasn't the last defensive player Chicago wants to add.
"I don't think either team is done. I think the 49ers are still looking for a receiver and pass rusher. While the Bears want another pass rusher and secondary help, so I wouldn't rule out another move from either team. There's a lot of Khalil Mack buzz for both clubs."
Rumors suggest the Bears would be interested in trading for Mack. The problem is that other reports suggest the Los Angeles Chargers aren't looking to make any trades, despite their 0-7 record this season.
Some have said Mack's asking price could be a fifth-round pick, which the Bears could do. Los Angeles' stubbornness about making a trade could stem from trying to drive up the price on certain players.
As for cornerback, the fan base has talked about one, but it hasn't been reported as often. The Bears could be in the running for Titans cornerback Alontae Taylor, who would reunite with his Simmons after being teammates in Tennessee last week.
What do the Bears do on defense before the trade deadline?
Chicago has been mainly focused on improving the defensive line. Despite the unit in general playing better, Poles wants to build up front and add some depth. After the Gervon Dexter trade before the season, the Bears found his replacement in Simmons.
Now it's about finding someone who can fill in as another top edge rusher on the team. Montez Sweat and Austin Booker have held their own, but Dayo Odeyingbo is on IR with a quad injury, so the team could use depth at the position.
The outside cornerbacks have been a mess, with Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson struggling all year. Johnson has allowed a 129.4 passer rating, while Stevenson has allowed a 139.4 passer rating.
They have had to lean on rookie Malik Muhammad as the most consistent coverage corner this season, but he's been dealing with a recent toe injury. Chicago could use another outside corner to replace Johnson or Stevenson.
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Poles knows he has to make some tough decisions and see if he can work his magic to get another trade or two done. The Bears are a piece or two away from being Super Bowl contenders, and adding another edge rusher and cornerback would do the trick.
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