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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 09: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears avoids a tackle by Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the New York Giants during the third quarter in the game at Soldier Field on November 09, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears may not be planning a splash in free agency after all.
According to Bears insider Ben Devine, fans expecting big-ticket signings in March could be disappointed. Devine posted that Chicago is “unlikely” to make major moves in free agency. He added that the team instead plans to be active in trade talks to acquire defensive line help.
That distinction matters.
Ben Devine
Don’t expect the Bears to be making any major moves in free agency, but they will be engaged in trade talks to acquire defensive line help. The trade market should be quite active in early March.
With the Bears projected to be between roughly $4 million and $10 million over the salary cap entering late February, general manager Ryan Poles does not have the flexibility to chase premium free agents like Trey Hendrickson or other high-priced veterans expected to headline the market.
Instead, March could be about making smart, aggressive moves in the trade market.
Bears’ Trade Market Emerging as Primary Path
Devine’s comments suggest Chicago is preparing to attack the trade market rather than compete in free agency bidding wars.
The Bears have done this before. Poles’ in-season move for Montez Sweat reshaped the defense and proved the front office is willing to pay for proven production. Now, with the defensive line again considered a glaring need, another impact addition could be on the horizon.
One name repeatedly floated is Raiders star Maxx Crosby. While any deal would require significant draft capital and possibly player compensation, it represents the type of move that fits Devine’s “trade-heavy” outlook.
But Crosby may not be the only option.
When asked on social media whether fans should rule out Hendrickson in free agency, Devine responded simply: “Unlikely.” That response suggests Chicago won’t be bidding on the top edge rushers in free agency.
Moments later, when another fan asked who the Bears could pursue outside of Crosby, Devine offered a different name: Kayvon Thibodeaux.
That answer caught fans’ attention right away.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Bears Connection Raises Eyebrows
Thibodeaux is still under contract with the New York Giants. He would represent a younger, potentially more attainable trade target compared to Crosby.
The former first-round pick has flashed elite pass-rush upside and could thrive in a more aggressive system. If the Giants reshuffle their defense, Chicago could position itself as a serious suitor.
The key will be cap maneuvering.
Cutting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds would free up about $15 million, but the Bears would still need to make other moves to take on another contract.
All that cap maneuvering makes a trade a more realistic option than a big free agency splash.
For now, Devine’s message on the Bears’ offseason plans is clear:
Do not expect Chicago to win headlines on Day 1 of free agency. Instead, keep an eye on early-mid March. That’s when the Bears could make their move on the trade market.