The NFL trade deadline is coming quickly, and the Chicago Bears are now winners of four straight. So, fans have to be thinking that this team is now a buyer, and why wouldn't they be?
Head coach Ben Johnson still has yet to get this offense up to its potential, and the same could be said about certain aspects of the defense. Yet, the Bears are finding ways to win. General manager Ryan Poles has not been shy about making trades before the league deadline, in years past, so what could the organization be up to this season?
At the moment, there are a few different possible targets for Poles and the Bears. Two, in particular, are listed in a recent piece by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen: pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and cornerback Riq Woolen. And, according to these experts, there is a decent likelihood both players get moved by the deadline.
The Bears could opt to pursue trading for either Riq Woolen or Jaelan Phillips ahead of the deadline
Fowler and Bowen give Woolen a 50 percent chance of being dealt. Meanwhile, Phillips is a little less at 30 percent. Nonetheless, either one of them would help fill a massive need for the Bears defense right now.
A few weeks ago, some fans might have thought about trading for a running back. But, what Johnson has done with the offense, switching up the left tackle position among other things, has made all the difference in the world. Maybe, just maybe, D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai are more than enough.
With Tyrique Stevenson's recent injury and Jaylon Johnson still being out a while, the Bears are thin at cornerback. Even Nahshon Wright has given the team an injury scare in his time, this season. Chicago's cornerback room feels extremely close to being razor-thin.
Woolen has been in trade rumors for a while now, as his play isn't always consistent. But, under Dennis Allen, his physical tools and ball-hawking mentality could be refined in a way that makes him more than just a depth piece. He led the NFL in interceptions as a rookie and has the size and speed combo rarely seen at the position.
Phillips is a former first-round pick who may not be dealt, although it wouldn't be shocking to see the Dolphisn make the move. Miami is in shambles. They'll soon need to re-think their franchise quarterback situation. The head coaching vacancy is well on its way.
It's a mess.
So, maybe trading the 26-year-old would be in the team's best interest. He has just two sacks on the year and would benefit from a change of scenery.
Read more: Bears may finally move off a former Matt Eberflus starter at trade deadline
What we do know, though, is that the Seahawks and Dolphins will be getting calls. Will Poles be on the other end of any of them?