The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with a major need: revamp their defensive line after struggling to get to the quarterback and giving opposing teams clean pockets way too often. It's been months, and that situation remains unchanged.
Apparently, general manager Ryan Poles believes the Bears have enough resources to be better in the trenches. The tape and the numbers tell a different story, but the reluctance to make a move speaks volumes.
Nevertheless, opportunities are always around in this line of business. And, given the Pittsburgh Steelers' latest financial decision, the Bears might be able to save face. According to Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, they might be open to trading Alex Highsmith, and he'd be a perfect addition to Dennis Allen's defense:
"Highsmith is signed for two more years, and he's about to be on the pricier side for Pittsburgh with cap hits above $20 million in 2026 and 2027. Now that June 1 has passed, the Steelers could save $14.5 million in 2026 cap space by trading him," Knox wrote.
The Bears should be all over Alex Highsmith
Knox projects Highsmith's trade value at a 2027 conditional third-round pick and a veteran player. That's more than doable for a 28-year-old pass rusher with two years left of team control and a knack for getting to the quarterback.
The Steelers signed Nick Herbig to a four-year, $100 million contract, and they had also given T.J. Watt a three-year, $123 million contract extension. That's way too much money for the pass-rushing unit, and Highsmith might be the odd man out.
While the Steelers may not necessarily be shopping Highsmith, the writing is on the wall. The Bears have been tied to a move for Maxx Crosby, but it's hard to believe they would be willing to part ways with the assets it would require to land such a high-profile player.
Highsmith, on the other hand, has been criminally overlooked and underrated for most of his career. He's stepped up big time when Watt has been out with injuries, and he's also helped him get a clean look at the quarterback every time. He's a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage, and he's a team-first guy who won't give up on any play.
The Bears' secondary might be better after a minor overhaul, but this game is won and lost in the trenches. They don't have any bona fide guys next to Montez Sweat, and that's a potential catastrophe in the NFC North.
With every divisional rival aiming for the Bears' crown and a tougher schedule in 2026, failing to address this team's most obvious need can doom them. They have the assets, so it's time to get on the phone and get this deal done.
| More Bears News and Rumors |
Add us as a preferred source on Google