The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 offseason with something they haven’t had in a long time: momentum. After a 2025 campaign that saw their offense leap from the basement to a top-10 unit, the front office-led by general manager Ryan Poles-has earned some serious credibility. And now, with the league potentially expanding the trade window for future draft picks, Poles might be holding an even bigger deck of cards.
Let’s rewind for a second. Last offseason, Poles pulled off a series of moves that completely reshaped the Bears' offensive identity.
Acquiring Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson via trade gave Chicago the kind of interior line strength they’ve lacked for years. Add in the under-the-radar pickup of center Drew Dalman, and suddenly the Bears’ offensive line wasn’t just competent-it was a strength.
The impact was immediate. What had been one of the league’s worst offensive units in 2024 became one of the most efficient in 2025.
Protection improved, the run game opened up, and the quarterback play stabilized. It was the kind of transformation that changes the trajectory of a franchise.
Now, Bears fans are hoping Poles can replicate that magic-this time on the defensive side of the ball. The biggest area of need?
Edge rusher. Despite the presence of Montez Sweat, Chicago managed just 35 sacks last season.
That’s not going to cut it in a league where pressuring the quarterback is non-negotiable if you want to make a deep playoff run.
Here’s where things get interesting. According to Adam Schefter, the NFL is considering a rule change that would allow teams to trade draft picks up to 10 years into the future, doubling the current limit of five. If that change goes through, it could unlock a whole new level of aggression for GMs like Poles-especially one who’s already shown a willingness to swing big when the opportunity is right.
With that kind of flexibility, the Bears could be in position to chase elite-level talent. Two names that have surfaced as potential targets are Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals and Maxx Crosby of the Raiders.
Both are game-wreckers off the edge, and either would be a massive addition to pair with Sweat. But make no mistake-landing a player of that caliber won’t come cheap.
It would likely take a combination of premium draft capital and a hefty financial commitment. That’s where the expanded trade window becomes a real asset.
More years of picks means more leverage-and more room to get creative.
Of course, there’s a flip side. If the Bears can’t land a top-tier pass rusher, they’ll need to find other ways to upgrade the defense.
But even in that scenario, Poles has options. He’s already shown he can identify undervalued talent and make savvy moves that pay off.
The 2025 draft class laid a strong foundation, and that gives the front office some breathing room to be bold.
This offseason is shaping up to be a pivotal one for Chicago. With the right moves, the Bears could go from playoff hopefuls to legitimate contenders. And if the NFL gives the green light on expanded trade flexibility, Ryan Poles might just have the tools to pull off something special-again.