Report: Chicago Bears Aggressively Pursued All-Pro Pass Rusher At Trade Deadline
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has shown a willingness to make aggressive moves to improve his roster, and a new report reveals just how ambitious he was ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Bears inquired about the availability of Cleveland Browns superstar defensive end Myles Garrett, though the conversation was short-lived.
Chicago Bears: A Swing for the Fences
In an appearance on WGN TV, Schefter revealed that while the Bears were in discussions with the Browns, which ultimately led to a trade for defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, they also asked about the franchise cornerstone. “When they were calling the Cleveland Browns, they did ask about Myles Garrett but Myles Garrett wasn’t available,” Schefter reported. “They tried to be a little bit more aggressive, but it takes two teams to get a deal done.”
While the answer was a predictable “no,” the inquiry itself speaks volumes about the Bears’ intentions. Poles was clearly looking to make a massive, franchise-altering splash to address the team’s most significant weakness: the pass rush. It was a “can’t hurt to ask” situation that demonstrates a commitment to exploring every possible avenue for improvement.
Addressing a Pressing Need
The Bears’ interest in a player of Garrett’s caliber is easy to understand. The team has struggled to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Montez Sweat has been a productive addition, but the pass rush outside of him has been inconsistent. The situation became more dire after free-agent signing Dayo Odeyingbo suffered a season-ending Achilles tear, leaving a significant void on the defensive line.
While Chicago has seen promising flashes from younger players like Gervon Dexter and Austin Booker, adding a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate like Garrett would have instantly transformed the entire unit. Garrett is one of the most dominant defensive forces in the NFL, a player who single-handedly wrecks offensive game plans.
Why a Trade Was Never Realistic
For the Cleveland Browns, trading Garrett was never a serious consideration. The $160 million superstar is the heart and soul of their defense and a foundational piece of their organization. He also possesses a no-trade clause in his contract, giving him full control over his destination. The Browns are built to contend, and parting with their best player would have been a non-starter.
Even though the attempt was unsuccessful, the report shows that the Bears’ front office is not content with small, incremental improvements. They are aiming high and are willing to be bold in their pursuit of elite talent. While they didn’t land the ultimate prize in Garrett, the move signals that the Bears will continue to be aggressive as they build a roster they believe can compete at the highest level.
