The Chicago Bears have plenty of reason to be optimistic about this defense under Dennis Allen, despite being down a few key players in recent games.
But, Allen's scheme and play calling can only do so much. Kyler Gordon and the secondary blitzes have been fun to watch, but sooner or later, the Bears will very likely need to make a move to help their pass rush. Luckily, there's a potential big-name trade target that could be moved prior to this year's NFL trade deadline, who would help with the pass rush and then some.
Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was asked, this week, what his thoughts are on his future with the team, to which he had a very short response:
“Right now, I’m just focused on the Vikings.”
Buckner's face told the whole story. He is flat-out done with the Colts, who are sitting at 2-4 and just fired general manager Chris Ballard.
The former All-Pro selection and 3-time Pro Bowler has to be thinking Super Bowl at this point of his career.
Ryan Poles could take advantage of a sinking Indianapolis Colts team before the NFL trade deadline
The Colts may have won two games this year, but their most recent loss came at the hands of the Tennessee Titans, a team that's looked like the worst team in football, by far, to this point.
Somehow, the Colts managed to lose the game.
Daniel Jones looks nowhere near the quarterback he was before his injury last year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the Colts opt to bench Jones and try going back to Anthony Richardson, just to make sure they don't need to go all-in on a rookie quarterback in 2027.
Buckner is one of a few trade candidates who have been in whispers lately, along with running back Jonathan Taylor, who would be one of those trades that'd send shockwaves through the NFL, I might add.
In the final year of a 2-year contract he signed with Indy, Buckner could be an affordable option and might even give the Bears more than just this year.
DeForest Buckner would kill two birds with one stone for Dennis Allen's defense
Let's say the Bears went after Buckner and landed him. Sure, he's a one-year rental for right now. But, the 32-year-old continues to play at a high level and might be the perfect player to trade for an extend on a short, new deal.
The Bears already needed defensive tackle help and would likely let go of Grady Jarrett after this season, ridding themselves of that contract and saving some cash.
So, by acquiring Buckner, the Bears not only help add to their defense this year, but they could also solidify some depth up front going forward.
Buckner already has 6.0 sacks and 19 pressures this season, per PFF. That's to go with 10 hurries and 11 defensive stops. The fact that he's doing this from the interior is impressive, and always has been. Buckner's been one of the league's better interior defensive linemen in the league for several year now.
Read more: Kyler Gordon's Bears return was somehow even better than it looked
At his age and considering he's on an expiring contract, I would venture to guess the Bears wouldn't have to pay more than a fourth-round pick to get him, if that. And that's a price I'm willing to pay if I'm Ryan Poles.
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