While the Chicago Bears' season continues with them prepping for the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, the Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly going down a dark path that general manager Ryan Poles might be able to take advantage of.
The Steelers are coming off an embarrassing 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card. Less than 24 hours after the game, Mike Tomlin resigned as the Steelers' head coach.
It doesn't help Pittsburgh that after the loss, their star defensive player T.J. Watt stated that he, " haven't had the answer for a long time, so don't ask me," regarding what needs to change for the Steelers to have postseason success. Bears general manager Ryan Poles might have an answer to that for Watt if the Steelers are interested.
Bears should call Steelers about a trade for T.J. Watt
Watt would make a perfect addition to the Bears' defense after being named to the Pro Bowl eight times and is a four-time All-Pro with the Steelers. Until this season, he held the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 22.5, but Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has since surpassed him with 23.5.
A trade for Watt is going to come at a high cost for the Bears, but Poles has to do something about the Bears' pass rush. It has been one of the worst units in the NFL this season, as they have produced only 35, tied for 22nd in the league.
Montez Sweat led the Bears in sacks with 10, but only Gervon Dexter Sr. had more than five sacks in a season, with six. Dexter is a defensive tackle, just to keep in mind, so the Bears don't have a true number two edge rusher with Dayo Odeyingbo disappointing and Austin Booker getting there, but not quite the guy yet.
As for that high price the Bears will have to pay, it's definitely going to take at least two first-round picks to get it done. After that, it might be another high draft pick in the first or second round. It could also be another player to trade away, like Booker.
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This would not be an easy deal to get on, despite Watt being unhappy in Pittsburgh. Poles would really have to work his magic to bring in a guy who could make a significant difference to a Bears defense that desperately needs it.