The Chicago Bears pulled off the biggest trade of the NFL season when they acquired Jeffery Simmons. Considering that, it wasn't that much of a surprise to see them stand pat at the November 10 trade deadline.
The Bears were tied to multiple names over the past couple of weeks. Multiple reports suggested that general manager Ryan Poles was working the phone, even after Simmons' addition, but ultimately, nothing happened.
While that might be disappointing to a degree, and while the Bears clearly had other areas of need, some guys may have been praying this would happen. Considering that, let's take a look at the biggest winners from the team's quiet deadline.
Winners from the Chicago Bears' quiet trade deadline
Austin Booker
The Bears reportedly tried to get Khalil Mack back in Chicago, but the Los Angeles Chargers wanted no part of that. That's a bummer, but with the way Austin Booker has been playing lately, it may have actually been a blessing in disguise.
Mack's return would've been electric, but Booker is playing the best football of his career and is a rising star. With the uncertainty surrounding Montez Sweat's future with the team, he'll be someone to keep an eye on for the remainder of the season.
Tyrique Stevenson
Barring a surprising turn of events, Tyrique Stevenson won't be back with the Chicago Bears next season. He's been a liability year in and year out, and there's no actual incentive to give him another contract.
The Bears could've and should've been in the market for cornerback help. They were tied to guys like Riq Woolen and Nahshon Wright, and both of them would've been a significant upgrade over the ever-struggling Stevenson.
Jaylon Johnson
On a similar note, the Bears haven't gotten much from Jaylon Johnson this season. Once a star, the former All-Pro has been on the wrong end of multiple big plays, and it looks like he's lost a step and isn't the same guy anymore.
That said, the Bears probably want to give him more chances to get his legs back under him before making a decision about his future with the team. To his credit, he had a huge pick-six in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Sam Roush
Bears rookie tight end Sam Roush has looked extremely raw at times, and with Cole Kmet suffering a season-ending injury, the Bears could've gone after a replacement and another blocker at the position.
Roush's role should remain untouched after the deadline. That's a risky gamble by Poles and Ben Johnson, but that's also the right thing to do when you have a rookie third-round pick who might just need a confidence boost to turn things around.
| More Bears on DaWindyCity |
Add us as a preferred source on Google