The Chicago Bears may have a problem on the edge that doesn't need to be solved today.
It could, however, become a pretty important problem by the time the NFL trade deadline rolls around.
ESPN's Dan Graziano recently reported that the Bears are still looking for help at edge rusher, particularly someone who can line up opposite Montez Sweat. That report has already led to speculation about who Chicago could target if the current group doesn't provide enough production.
One name has now entered the conversation.
The Player to Watch
Arizona Cardinals pass rusher Josh Sweat is coming off a 12 sack season, and Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox recently predicted that the Bears could eventually trade for him.
The proposed deal is fairly modest. Knox has Chicago sending Arizona a conditional fourth round pick in the 2027 draft.
That's a prediction, not a report that a trade is being worked on.
And right now, Arizona isn't looking to move Sweat.
That could change.
Why This Could Become a Bears Problem
Chicago already knows what it has in Montez Sweat.
The question is what comes from the other side of the defensive line.
The Bears are counting on Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo to provide more production, but there is no guarantee that either player turns into the consistent pass rusher Chicago needs.
That was part of the reason ESPN's report about the Bears looking for help at the position stood out.
Chicago doesn't necessarily need another player just to fill a roster spot. It needs somebody who can make an offense account for him.
Josh Sweat fits that description.
Arizona Has Little Reason to Rush
The Cardinals aren't shopping their pass rusher right now.
Graziano reported that Arizona doesn't want to trade Sweat, although he also pointed out that could change if the Cardinals are out of the playoff race later in the season.
That's where this gets interesting for Chicago.
The Bears don't have to make a decision based on what their roster looks like in September. They can see how Booker and Odeyingbo play. They can see whether the defense is getting enough pressure. They can see where they stand in the NFC.
If everything works, great.
If it doesn't, the trade deadline gives Ryan Poles another opportunity to fix it.
A Fourth Round Pick Would Be an Easy Call
The proposed price makes this even more interesting.
A conditional fourth round pick is not nothing, but it isn't the kind of compensation that should scare away a team that believes it has a legitimate shot at making a playoff run.
And Chicago has already seen what adding a proven pass rusher in the middle of a season can do.
The Bears acquired Montez Sweat from Washington during the 2023 season, giving up a second round pick in the process. Sweat quickly became one of the most important pieces of their defense.
Adding his namesake on the other side would give Chicago two established edge rushers instead of asking one player to carry most of the load.
This One May Have to Wait
There is no reason for the Bears to make this trade simply because someone predicted it.
But if the defense needs more pressure and Arizona is sitting out of the playoff picture in November, this is a situation worth watching.
Josh Sweat will turn 30 next year, and Arizona has already indicated that it doesn't want to trade him. Still, teams tend to become much more flexible once their season starts heading in the wrong direction.
For Chicago, the best move may be to wait and see.
If the current edge group delivers, the Bears can keep their draft picks.
If it doesn't, they now have another name to watch when the trade market starts heating up.
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