Ryan Poles has a perfect chance to make a game-changing trade for Bears
By Ryan Heckman
![Chicago Bears, Ryan Poles Chicago Bears, Ryan Poles](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5617,h_3159,x_0,y_98/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/60/01j55xghyy0r05kkb6w1.jpg)
This week is getting quite interesting when it comes to trade rumors and potential deals around the league. And, hopefully, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has been working the phones.
At the moment, there are a couple of pass rushers who might end up being moved in the near future. Just yesterday, we touched on the idea of New York Jets edge rusher Haasan Reddick coming to Chicago. He formally requested a trade out of New York after the Jets failed to give him a new contract, which may or may not have been part of the original agreement that sent Reddick out of Philadelphia in the first place.
Although the Jets have responded by saying they refuse to trade Reddick, he has yet to play a down or practice with the team. So, it seems more likely that the Jets will cave in the future rather than Reddick backing down.
Along with Reddick, Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots could be on the move. Similarly, Judon is asking for a new contract, but has yet to receive it from New England. And, there are multiple teams currently calling about his services, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Multiple teams have inquired about trading for pass rusher Matthew Judon amid his contract stalemate with the #Patriots, per sources.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 12, 2024
Judon is due $6.5M in the final year of his deal. New England made a contract offer to Judon this summer, which Judon did not accept. pic.twitter.com/fEfeNBVxwo
The Bears may not desperately need a pass rusher at this point, but Ryan Poles could change things with a trade
Going into training camp, fans would have told you that the Bears, indeed, needed to add another starting pass rusher. After all, opposite of Montez Sweat you have DeMarcus Walker, who didn't do a whole lot in his first year with Chicago last year.
The other options included Dominique Robinson, who at one point may have been on the roster bubble, or the rookie fifth-round pick, Austin Booker.
Prior to last Saturday's preseason game against the Bills, a pass rusher was still a monstrous need for this team. However, what we saw in that game against Buffalo certainly gave fans hope. Robinson was aggressive and looked like a man possessed. Meanwhile, Booker stood out in a big way after coming up with 2.5 sacks.
And, a training camp darling, Daniel Hardy, came up with 2.5 sacks himself and seemingly earned the right to move up the depth chart with his performance.
Now, if you give the Bears either Reddick or Judon at this stage, this team might actually have some real depth on the edge. With Sweat and one of the two coming in via trade, the Bears have two prolific pass rushers to start.
But then, you've got some promising youngsters in Booker and Hardy right behind them, assuming the latter makes the roster. Who knows what happens with Walker or Robinson, but what we do know is that Booker and Hardy look like they deserve a shot.
If this Bears defense suddenly has depth at the pass rush position, you can be assured they'll finish as a top-5 unit. All three levels are thoroughly talented.
From there, we just hope the offense can do their part behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and all of his weapons.
Spoiler alert: we think the offense will be just fine.
Poles makes a trade for Reddick or Judon, and this team could absolutely make a postseason run.
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