Bears Fumbled Perfect Trade Before Preseason Week 2

The Chicago Bears are very familiar with how big of an impact trading for an elite pass rusher can have on your team. Bears fans saw how Montez Sweat completely turned around Chicago's season after arriving mid-season in a trade with the Commanders. Not only did he lead the team in sacks but he also allowed other defenders to generate more defensive plays.

Therefore, it is understandable that GM Ryan Poles would want to replicate that by targeting one of the best pass rushers on the trade block. According to Jordan Schultz's reporting, the Bears were one of the frontrunners to trade for Patriots defender Matthew Judon before the Atlanta Falcons finalized the deal.

Bears Almost Traded For Matthew Judon Before Falcons Finalized the Deal

It was reportedly down to Chicago and Atlanta in Judon sweepstakes. In the end, the Falcons sent a third-round pick to the New England Patriots to get the deal done. Bears fans will naturally ask whether their team should have beaten that offer.

Judon has been one of the best pass rushers in the league over the last couple of years. However, he is 32 years old and missed most of last season with a biceps injury. Plus, he requires a new contract. An extension between the four-time Pro Bowler and the Falcons hasn't been announced yet but that could come at a number that was too pricey for the Bears.

Not giving up more than a third-round pick for Judon is understandable. At the same time, the Bears need to find someone to start opposite Montez Sweat. DeMarcus Walker is projected to start as of now but the Bears desperately need more defensive playmakers after finishing second-to-last in total sacks last season. Perhaps this means that Chicago will have a go at another disgruntled star pass rusher Haason Reddick but we will have to wait and see.

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