As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads regarding how aggressive general manager Ryan Poles will be in addressing the team’s recent string of injuries.
According to The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, the Bears’ signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson might keep them from making another move at cornerback, but the same can’t be said for their defensive line or at left tackle. With significant injuries to defensive ends Shemar Turner (ACL) and Dominique Robinson (high ankle sprain), Chicago’s defensive depth has taken a major hit, which could push Poles to explore short-term additions before the deadline.
Chicago Bears’ NFL Trade Deadline Direction
Fishbain notes that while Austin Booker is set to return as the No. 3 defensive end, the overall lack of depth on the edge is concerning. The Bears have struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and it’d be best if Chicago could go after some reinforcements.
Poles’ track record shows he’s not afraid to make midseason deals, ranging from making a massive trade for Montez Sweat back in 2023 or even a smaller trade last season, sending a sixth-round pick for defensive tackle Chris Williams.
Fishbain believes a similar type of acquisition to Williams (a depth addition at a reasonable price) is the most likely route Poles takes at the trade deadline.
Still, there are a few other positions the Bears could explore. Fishbain highlights both left tackle and cornerback as areas that could warrant attention depending on how the team evaluates recent injuries and performance levels.
Reinforcements on the Edge
GettyKingsley Enagbare #55 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a sack.
Given Fishbain’s assessment, the defensive end position stands out as the most logical and immediate need. With the Bears likely looking for a low-cost veteran to stabilize the group, here are two defensive ends Chicago could look to trade for and their projected value:
- Packers’ Kingsley Enagbare (2025 sixth-round pick)
- Titans‘ Arden Key (2025 sixth and 2025 seventh-round pick)
Both are listed on ESPN’s top 25 players who could be on the move, with Engabare listed at 18th and Key at 13th on the list.
Engabare, 25, has seen his role diminished in Green Bay due to the arrival of Micah Parsons, but he had a productive 2024 season with 39 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. At 6’4″ and 258 pounds, he fits what Dennis Allen covets at edge rusher and could be a productive pass rusher in Chicago.
As for Key, he is on the older side at 29, but will be readily available with the emergence of edge defenders Jihad Ward and Dre’Mont Jones in Tennessee. Titans ESPN reporter Turron Davenport wrote this on what a team can expect if they trade for Key.
“Key is mostly effective on passing downs and has 1.5 sacks in five games. He’ll bring high energy to whoever acquires him. Key is in the final season of his three-year, $21 million deal he signed in 2023.”
Trading for either Engabare or Key won’t be a blockbuster-type trade, but one the Bears might have to make. And they could always go for help at cornerback, left tackle, or even a high-profile pass rusher like Trey Hendrickson, Jaelan Phillips, or Jermaine Johnson.
But if Chicago does make a move, expect it to be a calculated, low-risk deal, aimed at addressing a position group dealing with injuries.
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