The Bears already made their headline move of the 2026 NFL trade deadline season, landing Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans before their Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks. That deal paid off right away, and it has only sharpened Chicago’s appetite for more help as the team eyes a Super Bowl push.
The problem for the Bears is that one of their biggest needs lines up with the Detroit Lions’ as well. According to Jonathan Jones of The Athletic, both NFC North teams “would each love to add” to their cornerback room, setting up the possibility of a tug-of-war for the same targets.
“Detroit and Chicago would each love to add a cornerback if the price is right,” Jones reports. “I would suspect teams will call the Denver Broncos, who have some depth at that spot.”
Denver may not be the only team drawing interest, but it’s one place both clubs could start if they’re hunting for secondary help. If Chicago and Detroit circle the same player, the market could get crowded fast.
One name to watch is Tariq Woolen, the former Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl champion now with the Philadelphia Eagles. He’s expected to be available, and his price tag is described as a mid-round pick. That kind of cost makes him an appealing fit for a cornerback-needy team, especially given the upside he brings when he’s at his best.
Woolen isn’t the only option out there. Other trade candidates mentioned include Mike Sainristil of the Washington Commanders, Alontae Taylor of the Tennessee Titans, Nahshon Wright of the Chicago Bears, Charvarius Ward of the Indianapolis Colts, and Donte Jackson of the Los Angeles Chargers.
There should be enough names on the board for both Chicago and Detroit to find help, but the competition may not stop with those two. The Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and maybe even the Los Angeles Rams are also looking for cornerback help, which could make this a busy and expensive market.
The Bears and Lions are set to meet for the first time this season on Thanksgiving, but before that, they may find themselves battling over the same cornerback target at the trade deadline.
In Other News...
Lions Suddenly Have A Left Guard Problem Dan Campbell Didn't Settle
Christian Mahoganys sudden seat on the bench created a new wrinkle for Detroit at left guard, even if the door to reclaiming the job is still open. Dan Campbell confirmed Mahogany sat out a game because of a violation of team rules, and Miles Frazier stepped in to start in his place, giving the Lions a quick look at a different option on the interior line.
Campbells update leaves the position in a state of uncertainty heading into the matchup with the New England Patriots, especially with the rest of the roster still being monitored. He also said it is unclear whether cornerback D.J. Reed and defensive end DJ Wonnum will be available, so Detroit could be sorting through more than one availability question as it tries to settle the left side of the line. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Suddenly Have Real Hope In Jack Campbell Situation
Jack Campbells injury sent a jolt through the Lions last week, and the immediate concern was bigger than football. The linebacker was placed on injured reserve after suffering a serious neck injury against the Vikings, which means he has to miss at least four games, and teammates have been openly emotional in the aftermath. Jared Goff was among those reflecting on how the team handled the moment, a reminder of how quickly a routine division game turned into something far more sobering.
There is at least a sliver of encouraging news now, though, and it has given the building a reason to breathe a little easier. NFL reporter Mike Silver has indicated there is cautious optimism about Campbell possibly returning this season, based on the progress he has made since the injury. For a defense that has leaned on Campbells presence, the idea of getting him back at some point would be a meaningful lift, even if the timeline remains very much up in the air. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Still Waiting On Kerby Joseph As Secondary Decision Looms
Kerby Josephs return remains on hold as Detroit heads to Germany for its next game, with Dan Campbell confirming the safety will not be available while he continues to recover from a knee cartilage condition. Joseph is still on the physically unable to perform list, leaving the Lions to manage their secondary without one of their top defensive backs as the trip overseas approaches.
The timing only adds to the pressure on the roster decision ahead, because Detroit has until next week to decide whether to activate Joseph to the 53-man roster or leave him on PUP for the rest of the season. The Lions have already added Andre Cisco for depth at safety, a move that helps cover the position in the short term while the bigger question around Josephs status still hangs over the defense. [Read more 🡒]