It feels like the atmosphere ahead of the November 4th trade deadline is a perfect storm. There are several teams that are really bad and should be sellers, and other teams that should be eager to buy. Usually, that leads to frequent action well in advance of the deadline. Yet nothing has happened outside of a small smattering of moves. So what’s the deal? Part of the Chicago Bears’ situation stems from their record. At 4-2, they’re finally in a good spot after a 0-2 start, but some in the building aren’t ready to be aggressive until they know this surge is real. Don’t forget they started 4-2 last season. A win over the Ravens in Baltimore could be the catalyst GM Ryan Poles is looking for.
However, there is another reason for the holdup.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed that part of the issue is teams interested in selling are seeking big returns. This is particularly true on the pass rusher market. It is such that teams making calls for help have decided to wait things out. The belief is that things could change as the deadline draws closer. It is basically a big game of chicken, seeing who will blink first. Poles seems content to wait, even though his defense continues to deplete with injuries.
Part of reason trade market is slow currently is because teams open to dealing pass rushers are asking for a good return. Interested teams are waiting it out, hoping to give up less. Feels like a later market as it stands. https://t.co/wHKTXq7RqM
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 25, 2025
One can’t fault the Chicago Bears for their caution.
Poles has already been burned at the trade deadline by being too aggressive. People still haven’t forgiven him for giving up a 2nd round pick for Chase Claypool in 2022. It is one of the worst trades in recent Chicago Bears history. Since then, the GM has operated more carefully. While the Bears are not strictly confined to bargain shopping, they have set prices for every player they won’t go over. A good example came last year when Matthew Judon became available. Chicago made a strong push for the veteran pass rusher, but once Atlanta offered a 3rd round pick, Poles bowed out. That proved to be a smart decision. Judon struggled that season.
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More information should start filtering out after today’s slate of games. It will be around a week until the deadline, and the list of buyers and sellers should become clear. If the Bears take care of business against the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens, they have every reason to seek help, be it at edge rusher or cornerback.