Chicago Bears’ Trade Deadline Plans Get Big Insider Update

The Chicago Bears enter the final weeks before the NFL trade deadline at 5-2 and appear ready to bolster their roster, particularly on defense.

NFL insider Jay Glazer said on FOX Sports that he expects Chicago to stand out among NFC North clubs in activity before the Nov. 10 deadline.

“Here’s what I will say. I think of the teams in the NFC North, there’s going to be one team that’s going to be really aggressive when it comes to the trade deadline. I think that will be the Chicago Bears,” Glazer said.

“I know they’ve already talked to you know, the Chargers, saying, ‘Hey, what about a guy like Khalil Mack?’” He added that general manager Ryan Poles tends to operate that way and predicted the Bears would be more aggressive than the Packers, Lions or Vikings.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter echoed the Mack connection on Oct. 25, noting ongoing interest from the Bears.

“You have to wonder, if a team like the Chicago Bears who keep calling to try to bring Khalil Mack back to Chicago,” Schefter said.

Jonathan Jones of The Athletic reported on Oct. 10 that a Mack reunion aligned with league sources if the teams’ trajectories held.

“But Khalil Mack to Chicago is something multiple league sources told me makes the most sense if both teams continue on their respective trajectories,” Jones wrote.

The Bears have generated 19 sacks through seven games while allowing 20.4 points per game. Edge depth remains a concern after injuries, including Dayo Odeyingbo’s placement on injured reserve, and uneven production from other rushers.

Mack, 35, has three sacks and 19 tackles in six games for the winless Chargers (0-6). The former Bear recorded 36 sacks across four seasons in Chicago from 2018 to 2021 and sits at 116 career sacks. He is in the final year of a one-year deal, limiting the cap burden for any acquiring team to remaining base salary.

The Chargers have not indicated a willingness to trade Mack yet, according to reports involving Schefter and Ian Rapoport, though their 0-6 record leaves them positioned as potential sellers.

Daniel Popper of The Athletic compiled a list of 19 players who could fit Chicago’s needs, heavy on defensive line and edge options. Names include Jeffery Simmons and Amani Hooker of the Titans, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart of the Colts, Tuli Tuipulotu and Derwin James of the Chargers, Vita Vea of the Buccaneers, Alex Highsmith of the Steelers, Moro Ojomo of the Eagles, Daron Payne and Dorance Armstrong Jr. of the Commanders, Josh Sweat and Budda Baker of the Cardinals, Nolan Smith of the Eagles, Zach Sieler of the Dolphins, Andre Cisco of the Jets, A’Shawn Robinson of the Buccaneers and Dalvin Tomlinson of the Chargers.

Analysts have highlighted several from that group as realistic fits based on cost and immediate impact, including Buckner, Ojomo, Mack, Payne, Sweat and Sieler. Buckner has four sacks in six games for Indianapolis and ranks among the league’s productive interior defenders.

Chicago sits second in the NFC North behind the 5-0 Vikings. The Bears rank near the top of the league in rushing offense and have produced 19 defensive sacks, but pass-rush depth and consistency against the run have drawn attention as areas for potential upgrades.

Poles has a history of deadline activity, and the current 5-2 mark gives the front office reason to explore moves that could aid a playoff push. Cap space appears sufficient for modest veteran additions such as an expiring-contract edge player.

The deadline falls on Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET, after Week 9. As that date nears, availability will depend on whether clubs such as the Chargers shift from competing to selling, and on how Chicago’s own performance develops over the next two weeks.

Other interior and edge options beyond the Popper list remain possible, but the clearest links so far center on familiar names and proven veterans who could step in without long-term salary commitments.

The picture is expected to sharpen in the days ahead as teams finalize their buyer or seller status.