Ryan Poles Eyeing Two Star Names Ahead Of Trade Deadline
The Chicago Bears have three weeks left before the trade deadline on November 5th. At 4-2, they are squarely in the playoff picture. A lot can change in three weeks, but there are good reasons to think this team will be poised for a run going into the second half. Their next three opponents are Washington, Arizona, and New England. They should win at least two of those games. Knowing this might explain why Ryan Poles is keeping a close watch on the trade market.
A source informed SM that the Bears GM isn’t afraid of taking a big swing at the deadline. His previous deals for Chase Claypool and Montez Sweat prove that. The only question is whether anybody out there is worth the push. Based on current information, two names have his attention: pass rushers Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Both reside on teams hurtling toward the NFL cellar. The Last Vegas Raiders are 2-4 and just traded Davante Adams to the Jets. The Cleveland Browns are 1-5 and traded Amari Cooper to Buffalo.
It is apparent that both teams are open for business. If they’re looking to accumulate draft capital, Crosby and Garrett are their best assets.
Ryan Poles’ interest in them is perfectly logical.
Crosby has 5.5 sacks in five games this season. He has made three straight Pro Bowls with 57.5 sacks at age 27. There is no question he is one of the best pass rushers in the league. Only Garrett is better. The five-time Pro Bowler has cracked double-digit sacks in each of the past six seasons. Presuming he stays healthy for another few years, he will lock up a spot in the Hall of Fame. Yet, after so many years of losing, he might be done trying to drag that organization to relevance.
Try to imagine what would happen if the Bears paired either one of them with Montez Sweat. The defensive line was already good. Such an addition would make it unblockable. Crosby and Garret both have two years left on their current contracts. It would give the team a chance to keep the tandem together for a brief window. Everything depends on what price Ryan Poles would have to pay. History says it may cost at least a 1st round pick and a Day 2 pick. Is he willing to go that high?
Given the array of pass rush-needy teams around the league, including the division rival Detroit Lions, it might be too much.