The Bears aren’t expected to be big players in the trade market, with the deadline at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. But after losing the last two games — with injuries to defensive tackle Andrew Billings, right tackle Darnell Wright and left tackle Braxton Jones — all bets are off on that speculation.
Offensive line and defensive line have been prime spots for Bears trade reinforcements. But unlike last season — when the Bears acquired Montez Sweat from the Commanders for a second round draft pick — there are no sure-fire long-term players expected to be worth the gamble.
Injuries to Wright and Jones could change the Bears’ motivation to make a deal. The Vikings, after losing starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw to a season-ending knee injury last week, acquired Jaguars veteran left tackle Cam Robinson — a proven veteran but not in his prime.
Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowl player also not in his prime at 32, is reportedly available. If the Bears have to move right guard Matt Pryor to tackle, it would potentially create an opening for a guard.
Around the NFL, Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby has been the most notable name floated as a trade possibility. Raiders owner Mark Davis repeatedly said he has no plans to trade him before or after the deadline, but the upheaval in Las Vegas this week — coordinator Luke Getsy and other offensive assistants were fired Sunday — at least opens up the question again. Crosby has said he doesn’t want to leave.
Running back Khalil Herbert is the Bears’ leading candidate to be traded. Herbert was productive in his first three seasons — with seven games of 97 yards or more, including 157 vs. the Texans in 2022.
But he’s become the odd man out in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense and likely expendable, with just eight carries for 16 yards this season playing behind D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Herbert has been a healthy inactive the past two games.
Guard Nate Davis also is a trade candidate, but perhaps not as much now with the offensive line injuries.