The Chicago Bears are expected to be one of the more active teams at the NFL trade deadline. With a huge need at edge rusher, expectations have led almost everyone to anticipate the team trading for Khalil Mack of the Los Angeles Chargers. However, when groupthink tends to have one thought, there is likely something missing.
If the Bears do not add Mack, but do add an edge rusher, who are the most likely candidates?
Tuli Tuipulotu, Los Angeles Chargers
While the Bears are talking Mack, they might as well see what the price tag on the fourth-year edge rusher is. Tuipulotu is 24, and Mack is 35. So, the Bears could get a younger player with similar production. He is due a contract this offseason, which is why he could be available. Still, the cost will be much more than Mack.
Josh Sweat, Arizona Cardinals
Sweat signed with Arizona to play for Jonathan Gannon, who was fired after his first season. He has not been as productive. Combining that with the Cardinals' 2-5 start to the season, the team should be listening to offers.
Yaya Diaby, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Diaby is a free agent this offseason and is coming off of a three-sack game. The Bucs are still in the division race, but sitting at 2-5, they have to weigh the value of holding onto Diaby when they could get a pick right now for him. Diaby is a great run defender and averages seven sacks per season. This is a nice addition.
K’Lavon Chaisson, Washington Commanders
Chaisson is on a one-year deal for the Commanders, and they are sitting at 1-4-1. They are also in the mix because of the weak division, but another loss could send them into seller mode. Chaisson had a career-high 7.5 sacks last year, and the former first-round pick is still 27 years old. There is some potential here.
Jermaine Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Johnson is a former first-round pick by the New York Jets. He was traded to the Tennessee Titans, where he is playing his fifth-year option season with Robert Saleh, who drafted him in New York. Still, the Titans are 1-6, and Johnson is about to test the market in free agency. His size is exactly what Dennis Allen wants from his defense.
The Bears could find a strong consolation prize and unlock the potential of a first-round talent.
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