The Chicago Bears have actually been one of the more pleasant surprises in the NFL this season, as they are sitting at 5-3 and are smack dab in the middle of the NFC playoff picture. They might even have a chance to win the NFC North.
As exciting as the Bears have looked this year, they have a major problem that could prevent them from making the postseason: their defense. Chicago ranks 26th in the NFL in defense, and it has totaled just 17 sacks as a team.
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Fortunately, the Bears still have time to swing a deal before the NFL trade deadline, and insider Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports has reported that Chicago is, in fact, pursuing a pass rusher before the buzzer on Tuesday.
The Bears signed edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency in an attempt to boost the front seven, but Odeyingbo is now out for the remainder of the campaign due to a torn Achilles. Meanwhile, rookie defensive lineman Shemar Turner tore his ACL.
Chicago’s pass rush was in need of a boost long before the injuries, so now, the Bears are in desperation mode on that end.
The question is, where will Chicago turn? The Miami Dolphins already dealt Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles, so would Bradley Chubb still be an option? Or maybe the New York Jets would part with Jermaine Johnson?
It will be interesting to see if the Bears are able to close a deal. Remember: two years ago, Chicago acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders before the deadline, so the Bears are no strangers to swinging big midseason moves for an edge rusher.
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Right now, Sweat leads the Bears with four sacks on the 2025 season. Gervon Dexter has 3.5, but no other Chicago player has even registered two sacks thus far.
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