The Chicago Bears are optimistic that the next era of football is going to be a good one for the franchise. The 2024 draft class coupled with multiple additions via free agency or trade over the last few off-seasons have set the Bears up with numerous offensive weapons.
However, Chicago could be adding a key piece to their defense in the very near future.
The Chicago Bears Could Be Adding Key Piece From The New York Jets
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report highlighted how star pass rusher Haason Reddick could wind up a member of the Chicago Bears:
On paper, the Chicago Bears have done a lot to be a completely different team in 2024. Caleb Williams has looked great in the preseason, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze change the dynamic of the passing game and the defense was already making strides under Matt Eberflus last season.
But winning the NFC North means beating the Lions and Packers. The Lions have been one of the best offensive teams over the last few seasons and Jordan Love showed just how good he can be over the back half of last season.
The Bears defense will have to take another step forward if the team is going to win the division.
One final opportunity to push them to the next level would be working out a trade for Haason Reddick.
Former NFL executive Scott Pioli said in an appearance on Good Morning Football (h/t Gene Chamberlain of Sports Illustrated) that the Bears were one of the teams that was pursuing Matthew Judon in trade talks with the Patriots.
Now Reddick remains the most obvious trade piece left on the board. The Jets traded for Reddick earlier this offseason, but he has held out for a new contract and requested a trade. The Jets have told Reddick they won’t trade him.
Of course, that could be public posturing to maintain Reddick’s trade value.
The Bears were notably better on defense once they traded for Montez Sweat during the season last year. Bringing in Reddick would give them two legitimate threats off the edge and should cause the Lions and Packers to get a little less sleep at night.
Of course, Chicago would have to commit to a long-term contract if they traded for Reddick, however, their salary cap space wouldn’t make that too difficult.
Over The Cap still lists the Bears with having more than $20 million in cap space. With so many young players on rookie deals, the Bears should be able to give a max contract to a player like Reddick.
