Last year, the Chicago Bears made a deadline move, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka didn't exactly light the world on fire. 2026 might look very different with general manager Ryan Poles.
Throughout the last few weeks, the Bears have been in the conversation as potential major buyers at the trade deadline. That's because, sitting at 5-2, this franchise might make its first Super Bowl in two decades, so it's time to go all out.
Some interesting news came in regarding the Bears and how they might be active at the trade deadline. It's the first real sign that Poles is finally going to be cooking big time.
Bears reportedly linked to multiple defenders in trade talks
NFL insider Jordan Schultz spoke with former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ryan Clark to talk about the latest trade deadline rumors. Schultz says Poles has been staying busy on the phones.
"I think we're heading toward a very active NFL trade deadline. We could see anywhere from 12 to, call it, 20 trades. And 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, also DeForest Buckner. Along with some names who aren't necessarily on the trade block, I think both Chicago and San Francisco, they want to be aggressive, and I'd be shocked if they don't make a move before the deadline."
Mack has been the most commonly mentioned top target for the Bears in a trade. He's already off to a good start, despite the Los Angeles Chargers being 0-6, with three sacks and six quarterback hits.
Sweat is another key pass rusher being discussed after the Arizona Cardinals' slow start to the season, but trade rumors about him date back to the offseason. He's posted numbers similar to Mack's, with four quarterback hits and two sacks in seven games.
Buckner could replace Gervon Dexter at defensive tackle after the Bears traded him to the Atlanta Falcons before the season. The Indianapolis Colts are 2-5, so Buckner could be one of the many superstars the team moves.
Which names not on the trade block could the Bears be looking at?
It's hard not to think of Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby as one of the players the Bears are calling about. The Bears called the Raiders about a potential Crosby trade, but the price was too high.
With the Raiders riding a four-game losing streak, things could be changing. Las Vegas may settle on trading Crosby for a draft pick that isn't a first-rounder. Chicago could throw in a player like Montez Sweat, plus a second-round pick and another pick to make the deal work.
Chicago will target the defensive line and cornerback as its biggest positional needs at the trade deadline. Unless injuries hit other positions, the Bears need to address those first if they want to be Super Bowl contenders in 2026.
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The defensive line seems to be at the top of the Bears' trade targets. If Poles can pull off a trade or two to add to their defense, few teams will stop this team from dominating.
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