NFL Week 9 kicks off tonight, but the Chicago Bears don’t play until Sunday afternoon. If you’re wondering how I’ll pass the time, just know that I plan on reading through all the hottest trade rumors that pop up between now and then as we approach the Nov. 5 NFL Trade Deadline.
A 4-3 record shouldn’t discourage the Bears from kicking the tires on possible upgrades to their roster. Heck, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell goes as far as to list the Bears among the teams that “clearly should add” ahead of Tuesday’s upcoming deadline. Considering Chicago’s injury situation along the offensive line, a potential desire to add to the defensive line, and the team’s collection of Day 3 picks, the Bears are well-positioned to make a move.
I am vibing with Barnwell’s assessment that it would be surprising if Chicago’s football team did something drastic. Losing that game against the Washington Commanders (in such a soul-crushing fashion) squelched any desire on my end to see the Bears move serious draft capital in a big swing deal right now. But I still feel as if General Manager Ryan Poles should be active at the deadline in adding a useful piece (or two) to the puzzle.
Who might be available for the Bears in a trade?
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler empty their notebook ahead of the Week 9 action. In doing so, the duo mentions intriguing deadline teams, shares a list of players who are likely trade candidates, offers up some under-the-radar trade candidates, and even makes some trade proposals. Between that and some other recent rumblings from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, I’ve rounded up a collection of names who I think make sense for the Bears.
Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard — The Jaguars have already sent defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and left tackle Cam Robinson away in trades. So I don’t think it is a stretch to think that Jacksonville isn’t in sell mode right now. If the Jags are looking to deal, then the Bears should be inquiring about Scherff. The 32-year-old is a five-time Pro Bowler who could help stabilize the interior of Chicago’s offensive line.
Kenyon Green, Houston Texans offensive guard — On the one hand, Green is Pro Football Focus’ lowest-graded offensive guard. For some, that is the kind of thing that would disqualify him from being a worthwhile trade candidate. But on the other hand, Green was a first-round pick in 2022 and could use a change of scenery. I find it worth noting that long-time NFL reporter Josina Anderson hears an NFC East team has explored trading for the Texas A&M product.
Evan Neal, New York Giants offensive tackle — The Giants used the first-round pick they got from the Bears in 2022 that was part of the Justin Fields trade on Neal, who has played in just 21 games in three seasons. The 6-foot-7-inch, 340-pound Alabama product is another change-of-scenery candidate. Neal could make sense for a Bears team that has been bitten by the injury bug, but only if the price is right and if the Giants are willing to move him for pennies on the dollar.
Azeez Ojulari (New York Giants), Baron Browning (Denver Broncos), Za’Darius Smith (Cleveland Browns) — I am lumping these three players together because of their position. After trading for Darrell Taylor, I don’t know if the Bears are in the market for another rotational defensive end. With that being said, I wouldn’t be opposed to adding one. When it comes to adding to the trenches, I’m very much in the “the more, the merrier” camp.
If I could add anyone from the group, it would be Za’Darius Smith. The 32-year-old pass rusher would relish the opportunity to face his former team, the Green Bay Packers, twice in the midst of a potential playoff chase.
Davon Godchaux, New England Patriots interior defensive lineman — There had been some chatter regarding the Bears possibly wanting to add a defensive tackle. With that in mind, seeing Davon Godchaux’s name pop up as an under-the-radar trade candidate stood out to me. The 29-year-old defensive lineman posted a 65.8 run defense grade in 2021 that ranked 36th among 224 interior defensive linemen graded by Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, Godchaux has been subpar in that area since. Maybe working with Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington (who has a history of developing defensive linemen) could help get him back on the right track.