Bears urged to pursue game-changing trade following $100 million decision

Heading into the NFL offseason, just about everyone expected the Chicago Bears to address their pass rush in some shape or form. They had opportunities to do so via free agency and the draft, and some trades were on the table, as well.

Instead, the Bears have chosen to ignore the need. They didn’t sign anyone, nor did they draft any edge rushers.

It was certainly a peculiar decision by Chicago, which totaled just 35 sacks in 2025. Apparently, the Bears are very confident in Austin Booker having a breakout year, and they must also feel good about Dayo Odeyingbo’s recovery from a torn Achilles.

But the fact that Chicago didn’t even add any insurance at the position is concerning.

Of course, there is still time for the Bears to make a move, and after the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Nick Herbig to a $100 million contract extension, momentum is building toward Chicago making a move for another Steelers edge rusher: Alex Highsmith.

Chicago Bears could trade for Alex Highsmith

If Pittsburgh does decide to trade Highsmith, the Bears should be front and center in discussions, and Chicago fans everywhere are clamoring for their team to add the 28-year-old.

Christopher Carter of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently revealed that the Steelers trading Highsmith would be a certainty next year, but that they might be convinced to part ways with him now if a team offers an enticing enough package.

Highsmith registered 50 tackles and 9.5 sacks in 13 games last season and has accumulated 45 sacks since entering the league in 2020. Injuries have been a problem for the former third-round pick over the last couple of years, but prior to 2024, he had always been pretty healthy.

The question is whether or not the Bears would pay the price required to acquire Highsmith, whose best season came in 2022 when he racked up 63 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.

Remember: it appeared Chicago wanted nothing to do with the Las Vegas Raiders’ asking price for Maxx Crosby, so you would also imagine the Bears would balk at a similar price for Highsmith, who is the inferior player to Crosby.

Pairing Highsmith alongside of Montez Sweat would absolutely make Chicago’s pass rush scary, but would the Bears be better off saving their draft picks and just signing someone like Jadeveon Clowney instead? Perhaps, but Chicago doesn’t seem entirely interested in that avenue, either.

The post Bears urged to pursue game-changing trade following $100 million decision appeared first on ChiCitySports.