The Chicago Bears face a critical juncture as the NFL trade deadline looms, with the front office weighing aggressive roster moves against the reality of a challenging 2026 season.
With the deadline set for Tuesday, the team’s strategy revolves around addressing glaring depth issues at edge rusher and cornerback while managing the fallout from key injuries.
Speculation regarding a return for veteran pass rusher Khalil Mack has circulated since FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer first linked the two parties, according to Chicago Bears On SI. Despite the appeal of adding a proven presence to the edge rotation, a reunion remains improbable. The Los Angeles Chargers have maintained a firm stance that they have no intention of dealing the veteran.
This position is supported by high-level reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, who noted, “Despite their 0-7 record, the Los Angeles Chargers continue to tell teams that they have no interest in trading away Khalil Mack, and the veteran pass rusher will not be going anywhere before Tuesday’s deadline, according to sources,” while observers suggest this could be posturing with trade chances placed at 20%.
The Bears are actively monitoring the secondary, where the performance of Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson has prompted a search for reinforcements. Riq Woolen of the Philadelphia Eagles has emerged as a logical target given his proficiency in man coverage, a scheme the Bears utilize at the second-highest rate in the league.
With the Eagles already clearing space—evidenced by the trade of Jordan Davis to the Jacksonville Jaguars—Woolen’s status as a pending 2027 free agent makes him a prime candidate for a move, with trade chances estimated at 60%.
A more cost-effective alternative is New York Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright. Wright started 16 games for the Bears last season and was pretty solid. He also proved to be a turnover matchine after notching five picks.
Wright has struggled to find a role with the Jets this season, often relegated to a healthy scratch. Given his familiarity with the defensive staff and his production record—including five interceptions last season—the Bears are viewed as having an 80% chance of pursuing a deal for the veteran.
The loss of Cole Kmet to a season-ending injury has left the Bears' 12 and 13 personnel packages shorthanded. The team is currently relying on rookie Sam Roush, who has faced difficulties adapting, and veteran Stephen Carlson.
Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles represents a high-ceiling option who offers both blocking stability and receiving threats, though his deep ties to the Eagles organization make a departure less certain. Chicago Bears On SI places the probability of a Goedert acquisition at 20%.
A more realistic pathway involves Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox. As the Colts restructure—having already traded Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner—Alie-Cox is viewed as an available asset who fits the team's need for a functional blocker.
With Alie-Cox entering free agency, the cost for his services is estimated at a sixth-round pick. Chicago Bears On SI notes that if the team secures a tight end before the deadline, Alie-Cox remains the most probable candidate, with trade chances holding at 50%.
The final decisions rest on whether the front office prioritizes immediate, low-cost depth or retains draft capital for the upcoming offseason. With the clock ticking toward Tuesday’s cutoff, the uncertainty surrounding these negotiations shows the team’s precarious position in the final stretch of the 2026 campaign.
