The Chicago Bears ignored their defensive line for most of the offseason. They wasted multiple opportunities to get stronger in the trenches, even though that was an obvious area of need after last season.
Then, out of the blue, Ryan Poles pulled a massive ace off his sleeve. Trading for Jeffery Simmons came at a steep price, but it was the type of all-in move the fans wanted to see from their general manager.
However, the architect behind the Bears' stacked roster might not be done. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears will remain active in the trade market after giving up two first-round picks for their new pass-rushing star.
The Chicago Bears aren't done making moves after trading for Jeffery Simmons
"Khalil Mack that is obviously being discussed," Rapoport said. "The other interesting one is Nahshon Wright. He was with the Bears last year, is with the Jets now, is really not playing. Could that be a name to watch as well, just for some depth? I do not believe Ryan Poles is done."
Simmons didn't need much time to endear himself to Bears fans. Those who claimed the team overpaid for a defensive tackle went radio silent after watching him single-handedly shut down the Seattle Seahawks' offense.
Obviously, a player of his caliber will make an immediate impact, but he hadn't even been with the team for a full week, so one can only wonder how good he'll be once defensive coordinator Dennis Allen takes off the training wheels.
That said, this team desperately needs help in the secondary. Kyler Gordon is playing some of the best football of his career after an injury-riddled start to the campaign, but they've gotten burned on the outside week in and week out.
While most fans are fixated on a Khalil Mack return (and we get it— it would be great), they have a greater need for an outside cornerback or two. Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson have taken turns missing tackles and struggling in coverage, and they've been the weakest links on the team since day one.
Former Bears CB Nahshon Wright might not be a shutdown corner, but he has a great nose for the ball, and he's already let the New York Jets know that he's not happy with his role in the organization. That's a no-brainer trade target right there.
Then, there are guys like Donte Jackson, Riq Woolen, Alontae Taylor, and maybe even Kristian Fulton. The good news is that the Bears have several options, and, more importantly, the front office seems more than willing to make a splash, even if that means giving up valuable draft capital to make a deep postseason run now.
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