Good morning, Bears fans!
Ryan Droste and I have taken a mini-bye from the podcast, but we’ll be back live on YouTube on Thursday night at 7. Join us as we break down Monday night’s matchup and anything that might happen on the trade market between now and then.
HEADLINES
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Kyle Monangai still missing from practice?
That’s the word from Brad Biggs who didn’t spot the running back or Malik Muhammad during the open portion of Tuesday’s bonus practice. Silver lining: TJ Edwards was on the field.
RB Zavier Scott signed to 53-man
Scott was out of practice squad elevations and if you’re looking for optimism that Monangai will be back for Seattle, this isn’t the place to start. DB Nick McCloud was cut in a corresponding move.
Montez Sweat apologizes
The veteran DE was back at practice after his two-game PED suspension. He didn’t elaborate on the details that led to the ban, but said it was unintentional and that he accepts his rep has been stained.
THE BIG ITEM
Your Move, Ryan Poles
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The NFL trade deadline isn’t until November 10, but the Colts hit the reset button early on Tuesday morning.
Two NFC contenders who aren’t the Bears took full advantage.
Trade #1: Seahawks get Quenton Nelson
The three-time All-Pro heads west for a 2027 third-rounder and a 2028 fifth-rounder. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Bears checked in, but you wonder if the call was just a bunch of heavy breathing from Ben Johnson before Ryan Poles caught him and told him to hang up the phone because they have Joe Thuney at home.
Trade #2: 49ers get DeForest Buckner
This one was a little more upsetting, even if the Bears don’t play the Niners this week. The defensive tackle is on an expiring contract and only cost San Francisco a 2027 fourth-round pick.
Buckner would’ve immediately transformed the Bears’ interior pass rush, but he heads back to a Niners franchise he called home for his first four seasons. Disappointing, but what can you do?
What Ryan Poles can do is figure out how to respond in kind.
Two possible playoff contenders (one of them Monday’s opponent) just went out and acquired two difference makers.
The other three NFC North teams — each of which would also be in the playoffs if they started today — are also looking to improve.
It’s on Poles to put the 5-2 Bears in the best position to win in the playoffs, because next season isn’t promised to any NFL team.
The most-mentioned trade possibility for the Bears has been Khalil Mack and the Buckner trade shows the cost wouldn’t be prohibitive.
But if the Bears want to go the ultra-luxury route on the interior or EDGE, those options are also there with Tennessee’s Jeffery Simmons, Tampa Bay’s Vita Vea and Arizona’s Josh Sweat.
Bleacher Nation’s Patrick K. Flowers put together a comprehensive list of potential Bears trade targets culled from The Athletic’s NFL Trade Board.
The latter didn’t link any cornerbacks to the Bears, but one has to think Poles will also be making calls for that position.
And while he still has time — 13 days, to be exact — Tuesday’s moves show that the market can change before you even expect it.
QUOTABLE
I take everything that comes with it.
NOTABLE NUMBER
14
Bears rushing touchdowns through the first seven games, the most in franchise history since 1956. (An incredible stat when you consider all the great RBs that have played for the team since)
WORTH YOUR TIME
The Niners might just be getting started, Tim Kawakami writes. It’d be hard to argue otherwise, I think. John Lynch is still trying to get the Kyle Shanahan era over the top for the franchise’s first title since 1994 and the Niners have to be hearing the ticking clock more than a team like the Bears. (SF Standard)
Kole Noble says Ben Johnson looks greedy with the reported interest in Quenton Nelson. (A To Z Sports)
Albert Breer conducted a straw poll of NFL decision makers: Caleb Williams or Drake Maye? (Sports Illustrated)
Patrick Finley on the strengths and drawbacks of each NFC North team so far. (Sun-Times)
EXTRA POINT
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