Ryan Poles may not be done reshaping the Bears just yet.
Chicago already made a massive swing by sending two first-round picks to bring Jeffery Simmons to town, the kind of move that says a front office believes the time to push is now. And after Monday night’s 34-17 win over Seattle, the Bears sit at 6-2 with Simmons already flashing the impact they wanted.
Still, there’s a real chance another deal is coming before the November 10th trade deadline.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Chicago remains interested in adding another pass rusher and help in the secondary. That lines up with the way Poles appears to be viewing this roster: improved, but not finished.
Simmons wasted little time making his presence felt against Seattle, finishing with 6 tackles and a sack. He gives Montez Sweat another dangerous partner up front, and that kind of pressure can cover up a lot. But it doesn’t erase the issues behind it.
The Bears’ secondary has been shaky at times, dealing with injuries, inconsistent coverage and too many stretches where opposing receivers found space. Another edge rusher would also make sense, especially one who can contribute without needing a massive workload.
This doesn’t have to be another headline-grabbing blockbuster. A veteran cornerback who can hold up in coverage or an experienced pass rusher who can help without playing 60 snaps could be enough.
Chicago doesn’t need to win the trade deadline twice. It needs to find somebody who can help in January.
Poles, though, has already made the books tight. The Bears gave up their 2027 and 2028 first-round selections, along with a 2027 fourth-round pick, to land Simmons. That’s a steep price no matter how productive he becomes.
Another deal involving premium draft capital would be hard to justify, especially with Caleb Williams eventually heading toward a payday of his own. Chicago won’t always have the advantage of a quarterback on a rookie contract, and the front office will need cheap, young talent to keep the roster balanced.
At the same time, no one in Chicago wants to hear about preserving draft picks if the defense can’t hold up in the postseason.
That’s the bind Poles has created. The Bears are 6-2, Ben Johnson has turned the offense into a real weapon, and the investment along the defensive line is already paying off. Chicago has every reason to think it belongs with the NFC’s best.
But thinking you’re a contender and having enough healthy, dependable players to survive January are not the same thing.
If Poles can find another defensive piece without giving away more valuable future assets, he should make the move. If the price gets too steep, he needs to walk away.
In Other News...
Bears Take More Damage Up Front At The Worst Possible Time
The Bears injury situation up front took another hit at the worst possible time, with the team forced to shuffle its roster again as the season grinds on. Chicago promoted Stephen Carlson and added Earnest Brown IV to the practice squad, part of a series of moves made while the roster absorbs more losses on both sides of the line and continues to deal with absences at key spots.
Braxton Jones had been a central piece on the offensive edge, and his absence leaves the Bears thinner in protection at a time when continuity matters most. The same goes for the defensive front, where Kentavius Streets knee injury adds another setback, while Kyle Monangai remains sidelined with thumb and toe injuries, leaving Chicago to keep patching holes and wait for answers that may not come until next season. [Read more 🡒]
Bears Are Getting National Respect But One Doubt Still Lingers
The Bears are starting to draw serious national attention after their 34-17 win over the Seahawks, with NFL.com analyst Nick Shook bumping them up six spots to No. 3 in his Week 9 power rankings. The rise reflects how complete Chicago looked in the victory, with the defense setting the tone and the offense doing its part behind D'Andre Swifts three rushing touchdowns.
Still, the respect comes with a familiar catch for a team trying to prove it belongs in the NFC North race. Chicago remains behind the Vikings in the division and has yet to win a division game this season, which leaves a lingering question about whether the Bears are simply one of the leagues hottest teams or ready to turn that momentum into something more meaningful. [Read more 🡒]
Ben Johnson Sees One Bears Problem Three Straight Wins Can't Hide
Three straight wins have given the Bears some breathing room, but Ben Johnson is still looking at the run game as a work in progress. Even with DAndre Swift carrying a heavy load and scoring three touchdowns in a recent game, Chicago has not found the kind of steady ground attack Johnson wants, and the head coach said the production has come and gone too often for his liking.
The timing matters because the Bears are trying to build something more sustainable than a hot streak. Johnson also pointed to the possible return of rookie Kyle Monangai as a way to help the backfield, and his presence could give Chicago another option as it tries to smooth out an offense that has flashed, but not yet settled in. [Read more 🡒]