Some big swings end in home runs, some in strikeouts. Chris Ballard struck out one too many times, leading to his firing. The former Indianapolis Colts general manager gambled on Anthony Richardson, Sauce Gardner, and others, and he lost. But the Chicago Bears could become the unlikely winners of the debacle in Indy.
Even at 4-2, the Bears are not whithout their weak spots. Their defense is still incredibly thin, especially up front. They may need a mid-season trade to fuel another playoff run, and the Colts' changing of the guard opens up a perfect opportunity.
If Indianapolis defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is available, Bears general manager Ryan Poles should already be on the phone.
Bears can turn Chris Ballard's firing into a DeForest Buckner trade
Buckner is 32 years old and halfway through his 11th NFL season. He's not going to be part of the long-term vision for whoever steps in as the Colts' new general manager. Currently in the final year of his contract, the defensive tackle is likely playing his last season as a Colt.
But even at 32 years old, he's playing at a high level. Buckner has logged four sacks and three pass deflections this year, along with 11 run stops. He's still taking on a full-time workload, playing 40+ snaps in each game.
If the Colts continue to slide out of the playoff picture, they may be willing to part with the veteran for a mid-round draft pick. As Albert Breer pointed out, the Miami Dolphins traded away some of their more expensive veterans after firing Chris Grier in the middle of the 2025 season. Breer even mentioned Buckner by name as a potential trade candidate.
It'll be interesting to see if pricey Colts veterans like DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor now become available for trade. Remember, Miami moved guys after firing GM Chris Grier before the deadline last year.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 19, 2026
The Colts haven't made Buckner publicly available for trade, nor have they announced Ballard's replacement. But with the November 10th trade deadline approaching and their chances of making the playoffs dwindling, they may be more willing than ever to give away their veteran contributors.
There aren't many recent examples in the NFL of trades for productive veteran defensive tackles who don't quite match the level of stars like Quinnen Williams. However, a mid-round draft pick seems like a fitting price for a 32-year-old defender on an expiring contract. The Bears may be able to get a deal done for a fourth-round draft pick.
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It may seem like a steep price for what would effectively be a half-season rental, but Buckner could transform Chicago's defensive line into a competent unit. This kind of trade can fuel a playoff run.
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