The Chicago Bears kept things quiet for the most part at the trade deadline. Their only addition was Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, a former 1st round pick who hadn’t been doing much with the Cleveland Browns this season. It was felt he would get more opportunities in Chicago and give their pass rush some much-needed juice. Outside of that, nothing happened. It wasn’t for lack of trying, though. GM Ryan Poles almost had a deal in place for cornerback Alontae Taylor from New Orleans before the Saints jacked up the price. The same was true of Jermaine Johnson in New York, but the Jets refused to come down from their demand for a 2nd round pick.
The Bears weren’t willing to give up high picks for players like them, so they settled for Shoyinka. As it turns out, they were thinking bigger than many people realized. Adam Schefter of ESPN appeared on WGN TV to discuss diabetes awareness before providing updates on the Bears. He revealed that people around the NFL weren’t surprised Poles got extended, believing it was the right decision. However, he saved the biggest bombshell for the trade deadline. Apparently, when they began the process of acquiring Shoyinka, they asked about another name on the Browns’ roster.
Myles Garrett.
The Chicago Bears had every reason to ask about Garrett.
He is arguably the best defensive player in football. His presence on that Chicago Bears front would’ve been franchise-altering. A combination of him, Montez Sweat, and Gervon Dexter would’ve given offenses nightmares. He already has 11 sacks this season. Alas, Cleveland maintained the same stance they’ve had since these rumors began last year. He’s not available. That isn’t surprising. Browns ownership demonstrated their determination to keep Garrett when they handed him the biggest non-QB contract in NFL history. Despite the team’s struggles this year, nothing has changed.
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While it would’ve been incredible for the Bears to pull off a heist of that magnitude, the odds were always low. Still, it was smart of them to at least ask. There is always the chance the Browns might’ve said yes. Still, it is interesting to think the Bears were looking to make a splash—something to keep in mind moving forward.