The Chicago Bears are looking for more than a single upgrade. They are targeting a two-player swap that brings back a familiar Pro Bowl cornerback and adds a high-upside pass rusher from the New York Jets. This bold move could address the team’s biggest holes on defense before the November 10 trade deadline.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday, November 3, that Chicago remains active in talks to improve its defensive unit. Rapoport noted that the team has a clear need on the edge and might also seek help in the secondary. “Among their needs, they have a need on the edge, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them add some secondary help as well,” Rapoport said. The insider believes general manager Ryan Poles is not done building the roster.
The most surprising part of this potential deal involves Nahshon Wright. The 27-year-old cornerback played for the Bears last season and earned a Pro Bowl nod with five interceptions and 11 pass breakups. He now sits on the Jets bench with no role. Wright told ESPN that he is unhappy about his lack of playing time. “CB Nahshon Wright tells ESPN that he’s ‘definitely frustrated’ by having no role on defense. Asked if he has requested a trade, he said, ‘Not formally…(But) I’ve expressed my feelings (to the team).'”
A Two-Player Package From New York
Chicago could pair Wright with 27-year-old edge rusher Will McDonald IV. The former first-round pick offers the pass rush speed the Bears lack. Heavy.com reported that a trade for both players would hit two major needs at once. The Bears already know how Wright fits their system, making a reunion much smoother than signing a new free agent. His stats from 2025 show he can still disrupt passing lanes and force fumbles.
Last season, Chicago saw Wright play every one of the 17 games while securing two forced fumbles. The Jets are likely looking to move him given his public frustration. The Bears now have an ideal opportunity to re-sign a player who demonstrated value in green and gold. General manager Ryan Poles has explored ways to improve the defense, and this deal provides an immediate solution.
One Game Left Before the Deadline
The trade window is closing soon. The NFL trade deadline falls on Tuesday, November 10, giving the front office just a few days to finalize a deal. The Bears are coming off a 34-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, November 2, and they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next. The team will face Tampa Bay on Sunday, November 8, at 8:20 p.m. ET at Soldier Field.
