Report: Chicago Bears still want cornerback at trade deadline

The Chicago Bears blockbuster Jeffery Simmons trade immediately paid off, as he was a wrecking ball in the team’s 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks. But the Bears still may not be done adding as the trade deadline looms.

Chicago is all-in on competing for a Super Bowl title. For all their hype, there remain clear holes across the roster. Arguably the largest rests at cornerback.

Jaylon Johnson, who was expected to lead the room, ranks 97/102 cornerbacks with his 38.1 grade from Pro Football Focus. Rookie Malik Muhammad has flashed at times, but he is currently injured. Tyrique Stevenson has dealt with injuries and inefficiency of his own.

The Bears’ playoff hopes may be legit. But Chicago could use some extra cornerback help to bolster their back end.

Chicago Bears eyeing cornerback help

The Bears won’t be alone in their pursuit of a cornerback. Their NFC North rival Detroit Lions are searching for help as well. Still, Chicago has their finger on the defensive back trade pulse as the deadline looms, via Dan Graziano of ESPN.

“Moving conferences, the NFC North will be interesting to follow. The Bears made their big move for Simmons, but they’re still poking around on potentially available cornerbacks, as are the Lions,” Graziano wrote. “Detroit might also be in the market for help at linebacker, particularly in the wake of the terrible injury to mainstay Jack Campbell.”

As for who the Bears can target, their options will be scarce. Plus, Chicago doesn’t have as much draft capital to work with after their Simmons deal. Still, any corner available will be on the Bears’ radar, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

“The Bears have been linked to edge rushers such as Khalil Mack, but a few league evaluators told me what you heard — that cornerback is becoming more of a need,” Fowler wrote. “Tyrique Stevenson Sr. and Jaylon Johnson have had their up-and-down moments this season. And while Malik Muhammad II is flashing, he’s a rookie. Washington’s Mike Sainristil is a name that has circulated this week, though I don’t get the sense the Commanders plan to trade him. An available corner such as the Eagles’ Riq Woolen for a Day 3 pick could make sense.”

The Bears will evaluate both present and future value. Is one year of Riq Woolen as valuable as a Day 3 pick? If teams and truly willing to trade, and if Chicago says yes to that question – for Woolen or any cornerback – their quest to improve the secondary should be fulfilled.

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