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The Chicago Bears are positioning themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, and with the 2026 NFL trade deadline approaching, the front office may look to add pieces for a postseason push. The offense has shown explosive potential with Caleb Williams under center, supported by wide receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, and tight end Colston Loveland. The ground game ranks among the league's best, averaging 154.3 yards per contest, with Kyle Monangai and D'Andre Swift forming a potent tandem. Monangai has been sidelined for three games due to turf toe and a thumb injury, but there is optimism he could return soon after Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks if he is unable to suit up.
Defensively, the Bears have been less consistent, and general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson must address that side of the ball. One potential target, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner of the Indianapolis Colts, expressed frustration with his team's 2-5 record and a desire to join a contender. However, the San Francisco 49ers acquired Buckner on Tuesday night for a fourth-round pick, forcing Chicago to explore other options.
Key Analysis
The Bears could turn to a familiar face in Khalil Mack, who played in Chicago from 2018 to 2021. Now 35 and with the Los Angeles Chargers, Mack is no longer the dominant force he once was, but he can still contribute situationally. The Chargers are enduring a difficult season, and a reunion could benefit both parties. Mack would provide a boost to a pass rush that has been inconsistent, and the Bears' improved roster might motivate him to finish strong.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's unit has shown discipline in the secondary, but the team lacks a true game-wrecker off the edge. Defensive end Austin Booker has recorded 4.0 sacks and 5 tackles for loss in seven games, while cornerback Kyler Gordon has matched that sack total in just two games and forced two fumbles. Still, the Bears need a more reliable edge presence, and Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals could be the answer. Sweat has only 2.0 sacks this season but posted 12.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 batted passes a year ago. At 29, he has explosive speed and should have multiple productive years remaining. Acquiring him might require at least two draft picks, but his potential impact makes it worthwhile.
On offense, the Bears' tight end depth took a hit when Cole Kmet suffered a season-ending knee injury. The team favors multiple-tight-end formations, making Dallas Goedert of the Philadelphia Eagles an appealing target. The Eagles are 2-5 and appear to be sellers, with general manager Howie Roseman likely open to deals. Goedert, 31, has 22 receptions for 228 yards and 2 touchdowns this season, following a 2024 campaign in which he caught 60 passes for 591 yards and 11 scores. While not a burner, he is a reliable third-down and red-zone option who would fit well in Johnson's system. Poles should aggressively pursue Goedert to complement Loveland.
Originally reported by yahoo.