Unless you have been living under a rock for the last month, you are well aware of the injury issues that have plagued the Chicago Bears' defense thus far.
With Jaylon Johnson placed on the IR leading up to Chicago's Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Bears are already going to be shorthanded in the secondary. In addition to his absence, there is still no guarantee that Kyler Gordon will be effective, if he plays at all, due to the hamstring injury he's been dealing with.
This is why Ben Johnson, Ryan Poles, and the other major decision makers in the Windy City need to begin looking at outside additions to the roster if they want this team to make a push for a playoff spot this season. Fortunately, it appears there is a chance that a Pro Bowl-caliber corner could be available on the trade market sooner rather than later.
Tariq Woolen Trade Would Help Fix Bears' Defensive Issues After Injuries
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported early Sunday morning that teams across the league are monitoring the availability of Pro Bowl CB Tariq Woolen as a potential trade candidate ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline. Several factors lead to the belief that Woolen could end up on the trading block. With the return of CB Devon Witherspoon this past Thursday, a steady decline in playing time for Woolen, and this being a contract year for the defender, gives the Seattle Seahawks plenty of reasons to consider such a move.
After a rookie season in which he recorded six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and 63 total tackles in 17 starts, Woolen has not produced at that level since. In 35 games since the end of his rookie year, the former fifth-round pick has five total interceptions and 113 total tackles. Those aren't terrible numbers by any stretch, but a far cry from what he showed in his rookie season.
Regardless of the slight downturn in production over the last two seasons, Woolen would be a welcome addition to a Bears defense that has given up 743 net passing yards and eight touchdowns, to just four interceptions, through three games. Any additions Chicago can make on the defensive side of the ball that would make a difference should be considered, and Woolen would fit that bill, even if he has an overall PFF grade of 40.4 following Seattle's Week 4 win.
Given all the reasons listed above as to why teams believe the corner could be available via trade, the likelihood that he would command a King's ransom in return seems slim. There is no reason why Poles should not make a phone call to the Seahawks and begin that discussion.