One week into a new NFL season, the Chicago Bears' defense looks to be vastly improved.
In Week 1, the Bears put a hurting on Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. They bullied their way to a 24-17 victory without an offensive touchdown, thanks in large part to a game-sealing pick-six by cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams didn't look great for the Bears, but the defense, and in particular the pass rush, showed a lot of promise. This Chicago team finished the 2023 season with just 30 sacks, but they were in Levis' face all afternoon.
If the Bears' goal this season is simply to be better than last season, they seem to be well on their way. If they truly want to be serious playoff contenders, though, they could stand to add another game-wrecker off the edge.
On Thursday, NFL analyst Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team listed the Bears as one of his top four trade fits for disgruntled New York Jets star edge rusher Haason Reddick. The other three teams were the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions.
Reddick has been forfeiting millions of dollars in fines while holding out from his Jets contract, which is entering its final season. He was traded to New York from the Philadelphia Eagles in April, but has yet to don a Jets uniform.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, a trade for Reddick is looking more likely by the day.
"The bad blood has boiled over, and now teams around the league are curious as to what the Jets will do if he doesn't show. Their options appear clear: keep him on the reserve list until he reports or attempt to trade him closer to the trade deadline," Fowler said.
"The latter is looking more likely, according to multiple league execs."
If the Bears were to trade for Reddick, they would also presumably have to sign him to a long-term extension before he suits up for a game. But because Williams is locked in for at least three more seasons, their payroll situation allows for another big contract.
Reddick has shown that he can be the impact pass rusher the Bears need in his two Pro Bowl seasons with the Eagles. If Chicago were to land him for a mid-round draft pick, it could be one of the trade steals of the season.
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