Chicago Bears chastised for passing on pivotal trade deadline deal

The Chicago Bears have largely been considered winners of the trade deadline for landing All-Pro Jeffery Simmons in a blockbuster with the Tennessee Titans. But beyond that move, the Bears decided to stay quiet at the deadline.

At 7-2, it’s easy to see why Chicago held firm. But at the same time, there are still some concerns around the roster. In the secondary specifically, the Bears’ 7.61 yards allowed per pass play ranks 30th in the NFL, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

Jaylon Johnson did make a crucial pick-six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 9. But on the year, his 44.3 grade from Pro Football Focus ranks 92/104 cornerbacks. Beyond him, both Malik Muhammad and Tyrique Stevenson have dealt with injuries. Kyler Gordon has flashed in the slot, but the Bears could use some help on the outside.

Chicago opted against acquiring any reinforcements at the position prior to the deadline though. Even though a prime option seemed certain to be available for trade.

Chicago Bears pass on Riq Woolen trade

At 2-7 and with quarterback Jalen Hurts done for the year, the Philadelphia Eagles were sellers at the deadline. They made a blockbuster move of their own, landing a first and second-round pick from the Jacksonville Jaguars for defensive tackle Jordan Davis. However, the Eagles decided not to trade cornerback Riq Woolen.

With Woolen set to be a free agent after 2026, it was widely expected Philadelphia would try to recoup some draft capital for him. Furthermore, the Bears were named a clear suitor with their need at cornerback. The deal was one Saad Yousuf of the Athletic was hoping and expecting to be finalized.

“It’s hard to be too critical of the Bears, considering they paid a hefty price to make arguably the biggest move of this year’s deadline in acquiring Simmons,” Yousuf wrote. “But a trade like that indicates the Bears are all in, and Woolen would have significantly helped Chicago’s pass defense.”

“In addition to the Bears’ need at cornerback because of injuries, the team’s remaining schedule is littered with excellent passing offenses and quarterbacks, including games against the New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions (twice), Jaguars, Bills and Green Bay Packers,” he continued. “As willing as the Philadelphia Eagles appeared to be as sellers, it’s understandable if the Bears decided not to give up further assets after the bounty they had to trade for Simmons. Still, Woolen would have been an intriguing fit in Chicago.”

Over his first nine games with the Eagles, Woolen put up 34 tackles, eight passes defended and a forced fumble. If the Bears acquired him, he would re-unite with former Seattle Seahawks teammate Coby Bryant. Beyond that connection, he’d give Chicago an experienced cornerback capable of making an immediate impact.

In the end, Woolen to the Bears will remain a pipe dream at least for 2026. Chicago will continue relying on the talent already established in their locker room.

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