The Chicago Bears find themselves in an interesting spot at the midway point of the 2025 NFL regular season. At 4-3 entering Week 9, Chicago is in third place in the NFC North and, given its 0-2 record within the division, it seems unlikely the Bears will catch the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
This is still a team that has legitimate postseason aspirations, though. Those dreams can take another step in the right direction this Sunday when Caleb Williams and company square off against the Cincinnati Bengals. There is no question that fans within the Windy City would feel better about this team's chances at 5-3 rather than 4-4.
A win against the Bengals should undoubtedly make Chicago buyers at the trade deadline, as well, which just so happens to fall on Nov. 4. While there are moves that could always be made to improve a roster, no matter the sport, the Bears are staring a clear need in the face ahead of Sunday's tilt against Cincinnati.
Bears Must Jump at Chance to Trade For Miami's Jaelan Phillips
Jaelan Phillips is a name that has been connected with Chicago for several weeks now as rumors swirl throughout the league. With the disaster of a season that they're having in South Beach, parting ways with the GM won't be the only move the Dolphins make in the coming days. Phillips could be one of many players finding new homes within the league, and we now know what it would cost to get a deal done.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Miami is seeking at least a third-round pick in return for the outside linebacker. Given that his production has taken a dip from what fans saw over his first three seasons as a pro, coupled with the fact that Phillips is also in a contract year, a mid-round draft pick feels like the appropriate asking price.
For Chicago, adding some punch to the pass rush would only help this team. Through seven games, the Bears have just 14 total sacks. That is good enough for sole possession of 25th place in the league, which isn't where Ben Johnson wants his team to be.
For comparison's sake, Phillips has 26 total sacks on his own in 55 career games. Chicago needs players who can get after the opposing QB, and Phillips has a track record of doing just that.
Whether that is worth giving up a mid-round pick in the 2026 NFL draft is a different question altogether, though. Fortunately, fans won't have to wait much longer to get the answer.