The Chicago Bears entered the NFL trade deadline as an "in-between" team, as in, they could have bought or sold. However, hours before the trade cutoff, NFL insider Jordan Schultz indicated that the Bears were looking for pass rusher help, as defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Instead of one of the big names on the trade block, the Bears instead acquired Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick. Tryon-Shoyinka isn't the most exciting option, especially considering he was a rotational player in Cleveland, who logged just three pressures and zero sacks in 31 snaps.
As it turns out, the Bears and general manager Ryan Poles were aiming for a more well-known pass rusher.
According to Schultz, the Bears tried to trade for Jermaine Johnson II from the New York Jets. However, the Jets were asking for a second-round draft pick in exchange, and it was too high a price for the Bears. So, Poles pivoted to Tryon-Shoyinka.
Sources: The #Bears and #49ers were among the teams that tried to trade for #Jets pass-rusher Jermaine Johnson II.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 5, 2025
New York wanted a 2nd-round pick, so Chicago pivoted to Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, while San Francisco ultimately stayed put. A move to the 49ers would’ve reunited Johnson… https://t.co/L2Tl5t3Mcb pic.twitter.com/67z3E6gHM6
Bears reportedly backed out of Jermaine Johnson II trade talks due to Jets' asking price
This isn't what the Bears wanted to hear. The Bears are having one of their best seasons to date, thanks in part to the play of quarterback Caleb Williams and the coaching of Ben Johnson. Instead of trying to provide the team with much-needed pass rush help on the defensive line, Poles pivoted due to being unwilling to give up a second-round pick.
Johnson has a strong track record early in his career. In 2023, Johnson made it to the Pro Bowl after recording 55 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, seven passes defended, one forced fumble, and one interception. But in 2024, Johnson was limited to just two games due to a torn Achilles tendon.
This season, Johnson played in five games. Sure, he does only have one sack recorded to his credit, but he can actually put pressure on the opposing quarterback. In 228 snaps, Johnson recorded 14 pressures and 11 quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Poles may have had flashbacks about giving up a second-round pick. Bears fans know all too well about how poorly the Chase Claypool trade went. But Johnson would have been a better improvement to the team overall. Yes, it would have cost a second-round pick to bring in the pass rusher, but he is under contract next year under the fifth-year option. So, it was far from a rental.
Read more: C.J. Gardner-Johnson needed one game to be difference maker on Bears' defense
If Bears fans want to feel better, no other team was willing to give up a second-rounder for Johnson. Perhaps, just perhaps, this is a move the Bears will re-explore after the season.