The Chicago Bears look like a different team. Head coach Ben Johnson seems to have instilled them with confidence and discipline for the first time in years. Their hammering of Buffalo last week, preseason or not, was a sign that this team could be ready to win. They have talent in several areas on both sides of the ball. GM Ryan Poles has done a good job, for the most part. However, it’s not perfect. There are areas with serious depth questions. They’ve already had to address running back twice. Cornerback has suffered multiple injury setbacks.
Yet neither of those positions is the one the Bears have worked hardest to find a solution for. A source informed SM that Poles has combed through the potential trade market for pass rush help. Having Montez Sweat is great, but the options beyond him are questionable. Dayo Odeyingbo was a solid pickup in free agency. After that, it gets iffy with Austin Booker and Dominique Robinson highlighting a thin group of reserves. It doesn’t help that both of those players exited the preseason game against Buffalo with injuries.
The Chicago Bears’ list of options depends on their price range.
If they’re willing to set aside a lot of money and pay up some high draft picks, Trey Hendrickson is the name to watch. The 30-year-old is at an impasse with Cincinnati over a new deal, and there’s been no progress for months. He played for Dennis Allen before, so there’s familiarity. It is an easy sell. They could also look to swing even bigger with Micah Parsons, but there is no indication Dallas is interested in trading him. After that, the list of options for the Chicago Bears gets murky.
D.J. Wonnum?
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Samson Ebukam?
Marcus Davenport?
There is no clear evidence that any of these guys or others are available. Much will depend on how the final roster cuts will unfold. Plenty of teams may wish to unload certain pass rushers for draft capital. Maybe the Bears can find a bargain.