The Chicago Bears are starting to look like a team with staying power in the NFL. With a solid foundation of young talent, the Bears are poised to shift their focus to strengthening the defense this offseason.
General Manager Ryan Poles is keen on building the roster strategically, ensuring last season's success is just the beginning of a long-term impact in the NFC North and beyond. Head Coach Ben Johnson, with his experience in Detroit, seems unlikely to make flashy, short-term moves unless they align with the team's long-term goals.
Currently, the Bears face a challenge at the safety position, with no starters under contract for the upcoming season. This offseason could see some significant moves, especially if the right opportunity presents itself.
Gary Davenport from Bleacher Report has stirred the pot with some pre-draft trade ideas, suggesting ways for teams outside the top-10 to snag a coveted top-10 pick. For the Bears, this could mean a trade with the Cleveland Browns:
- Chicago Bears Receive: 2026 Round 1 Pick (1.06), 2026 Round 5 Pick (5.01)
- Cleveland Browns Receive: 2026 Round 1 Pick (1.25), 2026 Round 3 Pick (3.25), 2027 Round 1 Pick
The Bears, fresh off their first NFC North title since 2018, have some pressing needs, particularly at safety. With Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all heading into free agency, this position becomes a priority.
Enter Caleb Downs from Ohio State, a rare safety prospect who might just be the best player in this year's draft. If he falls to the sixth pick, he could be worth the investment for a Bears team with Super Bowl aspirations. Moving up 19 spots in the first round is no small feat and comes at a cost, but Davenport's proposed trade aligns with popular draft pick value charts, making it a fair deal for both sides.
Going all-in doesn't always mean acquiring seasoned veterans. For the Bears, it might mean securing a top draft pick like Downs if the early draft dynamics favor such a move. Davenport's suggestion is ambitious, but it could be a game-changer for Poles and the Bears if the stars align early in the draft.