Bears GM Ryan Poles still eyeing edge rushers ahead of trade deadline

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles might not be finished with the trade deadline despite acquiring star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Sports Mockery reports that ESPN insider Ian Rapoport stated on The Pat McAfee Show the team continues to investigate edge rusher options. Rapoport noted that Chicago was interested in DeForest Buckner but the 49ers were the only team willing to trade him.

The search for help continues because Montez Sweat missed two games due to a suspension and Dayo Odeyingbo remains out with a quad injury. Adding another pass rusher would protect the defense against further setbacks. Poles has stated he does not intend to give away draft picks, suggesting any future deal would involve player swaps or pick exchanges rather than straight asset trades.

Sweat returns to a defense that now features Simmons inside, a move that could boost his production. Yahoo Sports reports that Poles expects the reunion to help the edge rusher perform better. "I think he elevates his game being around Jeffery, and that's our expectation," Poles said regarding the impact of Simmons on Sweat.

Fantasy impact

Montez Sweat's outlook improves with the arrival of Simmons, who commands double teams from opposing offensive lines. Before his suspension, Sweat logged two sacks and four quarterback hits across five games, while he finished last season with 10 sacks. In 2025, Simmons tallied 11 sacks, adding four more during his first seven games this season, which compels quarterbacks to step into the edge rusher's path. This dynamic creates more favorable matchups for Sweat to generate pressure.

What to do

The presence of Simmons inside should free up Sweat to get to the quarterback more often, capitalizing on the extra attention opponents pay to the interior line.

Keep an eye on whether Poles executes another trade before the Nov. 10 deadline, as adding another pass rusher could further alter the rotation or share of targets for the defensive line unit.