Sunday's game was one they would've lost in past years, but the Chicago Bears pulled out a 47-42 win over the Cincinnati Bengals to move to 5-3 on the season.
With the time before Tuesday afternoon's trade deadline now best measured in hours, what the Bears might do becomes interesting. Mortgaging future draft capital for a short-term solution in Ben Johnson's first year as head coach doesn't seem practical, but general manager Ryan Poles also can't ignore being in the playoff hunt, and he should be eyeing moves that make sense.
If there's a focus, it should be on the defensive side of the ball, with cornerback and edge rusher standing out as key needs.
ESPN insider calls for Bears to make bold trade deadline move
In his assessment of overreactions from Week 9, with the hypothetical premise faded since it's no longer immediately after the game, ESPN's Dan Graziano wondered if "the Bears should ask the Bengals if they will let Trey Hendrickson get on the plane back to Chicago with them."
Graziano then tabbed the idea of the Bears trading for Hendrickson as "not an overreaction."
"It's probably moot, because the Bengals have been telling everyone who has asked since the offseason that they aren't interested in trading Hendrickson. But if he does turn out to be available, Chicago should at least ask. It's a two-month acquisition, because Hendrickson is not signed beyond this season, and the Bears might have the feel of a rebuilding team long term with Williams in his second season and coach Ben Johnson in his first."
"But the standings say what they say, and Johnson has said he has no interest in making this a slow build. Bears GM Ryan Poles is usually active at the trade deadline, and it would be no shock (nor a bad idea) if he made an aggressive move to improve his pass rush for the stretch run."
The Bengals have consistently stated that they aren't interested in trading Hendrickson. However, before the game against the Bears, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports suggested that the stance may be softening. Hendrickson also missed the game due to a hip injury, so his prognosis and return outlook are significant factors in any speculation about a potential trade. It could also reduce the price to get him, as teams continue to circle.
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If the Bears trade for an edge rusher, it's unlikely to be Hendrickson. But it is an interesting scenario to ponder, if the price can be right and last year's league leader in sacks can get healthy.