Last week, the Chicago Bears found themselves as a finalist in potentially landing pass rusher Matthew Judon in a trade with the New England Patriots.
Ultimately, the Patriots allowed Judon to choose between the Bears and Atlanta Falcons, who both offered third-round picks. Judon was dealt to the Falcons, leaving the Bears searching for other options to help bolster their defensive line before Week 1.
There are still some potential additions out there for general manager Ryan Poles, but not many. The possibilities are dwindling, and Poles may have to get creative if he opts for another trade scenario. Which pass rushers could the Bears still target?
First, let's look at a pair of free agents the Bears could still sign before the season.
Yannick Ngakoue
The most obvious option is bringing back veteran Yannick Ngakoue, which would be ironic because the Bears waited until this time last year before signing him to a 1-year deal. Ngakoue didn't quite pan out like they wanted in 2023, but with a rejuvenated locker room and plenty of momentum, it would make sense to bring in a familiar face and someone who knows the locker room.
Charles Harris
It's been a couple years since former Detroit Lions pass rusher Charles Harris was truly relevant, but maybe the opportunity to play against his former team twice a year could lead to extra motivation. Now that the Lions are a Super Bowl contender, Harris might enjoy getting a bit of revenge. Back in 2021, Harris finished with a career-high 7.5 sacks but since then, his production has dwindled. Still a free agent, Harris wouldn't be a bad route to go.
Which pass rushers might the Bears target via trade?
If the Bears still wanted to explore a trade, maybe Poles could look at swinging for one of these bigger names.
Haason Reddick, New York Jets
The Haason Reddick situation is messy right now. The Jets traded a third-round pick for Reddick earlier in the offseason, but now the veteran wants out because he has yet to receive a new contract. In the final year of his current deal, Reddick is looking for security. But, the Jets own all the power. If Reddick ends up on another team once this contract is up, they receive a third-round compensatory pick.
So, if the Bears wanted to take their shot, Poles would have to offer up more than a third rounder, which might not be the route he wants to go. Reddick is coming off his fourth-straight season with double-digit sacks and would absolutely be a welcomed addition in Chicago.
Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers
This is where we've got to start thinking outside the box. The Los Angeles Chargers are hoping to turn things around, in a hurry, thanks to new head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, they are still in a bit of a bind, financially. Already restructuring the deals of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, the Chargers may still look to free up additional space in the future.
Bosa has had a hard time staying fully healthy and his contract runs through 2025, with a cap number of over $36 million next season. If the Chargers cut him after the 2024 campaign, they'd save $21 million. It's certainly a situation to monitor.
Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
Trey Hendrickson is another veteran pass rusher whose contract runs through 2025. Next year will be his age-31 season and Hendrickson's cap number is over $18 million. He'll likely want more than that in a new deal, especially considering the cap continuing to rise.
Cincinnati is in a tough spot with both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, already having paid Joe Burrow top-dog money. The team could choose to part with Hendrickson via release, next year, and save $16 million. Otherwise, trading him gets the Bengals something in return. We don't know if they're looking to part with Hendrickson, but ultimately, that might be the route the team goes. He's coming off a career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023.