The Chicago Bears' general manager, Ryan Poles, is facing a difficult decision as the NFL trade deadline approaches. With the team struggling on defense and quarterback Caleb Williams still developing, Poles must decide whether to make a move to bolster his roster.
One area of concern is cornerback, where the team has been plagued by injuries and ineptitude. The signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson suggests that Poles is willing to invest in addressing this issue, but it's unclear if he'll be able to find a suitable replacement for the rest of the season.
Another pressing need is defensive line depth, where the Bears have been exposed by injuries and subpar play from their current edge rushers. However, acquiring a proven starter like Trey Hendrickson would require significant assets, including future draft picks and potentially even a significant salary cap hit.
The Bears' options are limited, and making a blockbuster trade that would require significant concessions is unlikely. Instead, Poles will need to focus on the margins, acquiring players who can make an impact without breaking the bank.
In the second half of the season, it's likely that the team's progress under Williams will be the key factor in determining their trajectory. If he can take a step forward as quarterback, it could give the Bears a boost and set them up for contention next year.
For now, Poles must balance his desire to improve the team with the need to conserve assets for the future. With the deadline looming on Tuesday at 3pm CT, the Bears' general manager will have precious little time to make a move that would significantly impact their chances of making a deep playoff run.
One area of concern is cornerback, where the team has been plagued by injuries and ineptitude. The signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson suggests that Poles is willing to invest in addressing this issue, but it's unclear if he'll be able to find a suitable replacement for the rest of the season.
Another pressing need is defensive line depth, where the Bears have been exposed by injuries and subpar play from their current edge rushers. However, acquiring a proven starter like Trey Hendrickson would require significant assets, including future draft picks and potentially even a significant salary cap hit.
The Bears' options are limited, and making a blockbuster trade that would require significant concessions is unlikely. Instead, Poles will need to focus on the margins, acquiring players who can make an impact without breaking the bank.
In the second half of the season, it's likely that the team's progress under Williams will be the key factor in determining their trajectory. If he can take a step forward as quarterback, it could give the Bears a boost and set them up for contention next year.
For now, Poles must balance his desire to improve the team with the need to conserve assets for the future. With the deadline looming on Tuesday at 3pm CT, the Bears' general manager will have precious little time to make a move that would significantly impact their chances of making a deep playoff run.