The Chicago Bears could use another pass rusher, and Josh Sweat would check just about every box. Getting the Arizona Cardinals to actually trade him is the much bigger problem.
Chicago has recently been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Sweat, who is coming off a 12 sack season. Arizona has shown little interest in moving him, though, which means Ryan Poles may eventually have to look elsewhere if he wants another legitimate threat opposite Montez Sweat.
Fortunately, there are other calls worth making.
Kayvon Thibodeaux may be the most realistic alternative
If Arizona immediately shuts down the conversation, Poles should find out exactly how committed the New York Giants are to Kayvon Thibodeaux.
New York has already invested heavily in its pass rush with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter, creating an obvious question about Thibodeaux's long term place on the roster. He's also playing on his fifth year option, worth roughly $14.8 million, before reaching free agency.
That combination at least gives Chicago a reason to call.
Thibodeaux has 23.5 sacks through his first four NFL seasons. He hasn't developed into the dominant player some envisioned when New York selected him fifth overall, but the Bears wouldn't need him to become their entire pass rush.
They already have Montez Sweat.
Putting another talented edge player across from him could create the kind of opportunities Chicago simply doesn't have right now. At 25, Thibodeaux would also be more than a rental if the Bears were willing to pay him after the season.
Maxx Crosby would require Ryan Poles to swing big
There is the sensible option, and then there is Maxx Crosby.
Chicago has already been linked to Crosby in the past, and his name will continue appearing in trade conversations whenever the Raiders' future becomes uncertain. For a Bears team that believes it can contend now, it's easy to understand the fascination.
Crosby changes an entire defense.
He also wouldn't come cheap. Las Vegas would have every reason to demand premium draft capital for one of the NFL's best defensive players. A deal involving Crosby could require Poles to surrender a first round pick before the Raiders even begin listening seriously.
That's a completely different decision than trading a mid round pick for help.
But if Chicago starts the season looking like a legitimate NFC contender while the pass rush remains its obvious weakness, Poles may have to decide how aggressive he's willing to get.
Alex Highsmith could become available later
Alex Highsmith doesn't carry Crosby's star power, but he might eventually make more sense for Chicago.
Pittsburgh has no reason to give him away before seeing what its season looks like. That can change quickly in the NFL.
If the Steelers stumble and eventually become sellers, Highsmith would be exactly the type of veteran the Bears should check on. He's already proven he can produce while playing alongside another dangerous pass rusher, which would translate nicely to a defense featuring Montez Sweat.
Chicago doesn't necessarily need another superstar.
It needs somebody offenses can't comfortably ignore.
That's why Josh Sweat remains such an attractive possibility. He fits the need without requiring Chicago to completely reshape its future to acquire him.
If Arizona refuses to budge, however, Poles shouldn't stop making calls.
Thibodeaux offers youth and upside. Highsmith could provide a more affordable veteran solution. Crosby is sitting there as the expensive dream scenario if Chicago decides this roster is one major defensive addition away from making a serious run.
The Bears have options. The next few weeks should tell Poles just how badly he needs to use one of them.
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