The Chicago Bears have plenty of reasons to feel good about their offense following Caleb Williams' impressive return against the Atlanta Falcons. But if Chicago wants to make a serious postseason run, there's still one glaring weakness that could use some attention before the NFL trade deadline.
Two former NFL players believe they have the answer. And it involves bringing a familiar face back to Chicago.
Kyle Long wants Bears to reunite with Khalil Mack
During the October 20th episode of CBS Sports' Set, Hut!, former Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long and quarterback Russell Wilson discussed Chicago's need for another pass rusher.
Long didn't hesitate when the conversation turned to potential trade targets.
"The one guy who I played with in Chicago in 2018 who changed the entire course of our season was Khalil Mack," Long said.
Mack, currently with the Los Angeles Chargers, signed a one-year, $18 million contract for the 2026 season. Although he's approaching the end of his career, Long believes the veteran still has plenty to offer.
And Long wasn't talking strictly about sacks.
He remembered how Mack changed the atmosphere around the Bears when he arrived in 2018. Chicago suddenly had a defensive centerpiece who could make everyone around him better.
Long also praised Mack's preparation, describing him as the type of veteran who sets an example in the weight room and brings the same approach to work every week.
That's something Chicago could certainly use.
The Bears have shown improvement defensively, particularly with Kyler Gordon returning to the lineup. But depending on blitz packages and defensive backs to generate pressure isn't necessarily a long-term solution.
Adding someone like Mack would give defensive coordinator Dennis Allen another proven option without requiring him to manufacture pressure on every passing down.
Russell Wilson believes Bears should make an aggressive move
Wilson was equally enthusiastic about the possibility of bringing Mack back to Chicago.
The veteran quarterback recalled spending time around Mack at the Pro Bowl and emphasized the presence he brings to a locker room.
Wilson believes Mack's professionalism and leadership could be particularly valuable for a team trying to establish itself as a legitimate contender.
"I think he would be a tremendous person to go get," Wilson said.
He also made his reasoning clear. If Chicago believes it can compete for a championship this season, waiting around for the perfect opportunity might not be the right approach.
That's where things get interesting.
The Bears have already invested heavily in developing Williams and building an offense around head coach Ben Johnson. Their performance against Atlanta offered another glimpse of how dangerous that combination can become.
But the defense still has questions.
Gordon's three-sack performance against the Falcons was encouraging, although expecting that kind of production from a cornerback every week would be unrealistic.
Mack wouldn't solve every defensive problem. He would, however, provide an established edge presence who understands the organization and has already demonstrated what he can accomplish in Chicago.
Bears face an intriguing decision before trade deadline
Of course, wanting Mack and actually acquiring him are two different things.
The Chargers would have to be willing to move him, and Chicago would need to determine whether the asking price makes sense for a veteran playing on a one-year deal.
There's also the question of how much Mack has left.
He isn't the same player who arrived in Chicago eight years ago and immediately helped transform the Bears into one of the NFL's most intimidating defenses.
Nobody should expect that version to suddenly reappear.
But Long and Wilson aren't suggesting Chicago needs Mack to carry the entire defense. They're talking about adding another experienced pass rusher to a team that already believes it can compete.
For Bears fans who remember what Mack accomplished during his first stint, the possibility of seeing him return would certainly generate excitement.
Whether Chicago's front office shares that enthusiasm remains to be seen.
For now, it's a trade proposal from two former players rather than a reported negotiation. But with the deadline approaching, the Bears have a legitimate reason to explore ways to improve their pass rush.
And few potential additions would be more familiar to Chicago than Mack.
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