The Chicago Bears face a critical choice before the trade deadline. While chatter swirls around a potential reunion with Khalil Mack or a move for Chase Young, the real need lies in the secondary. Due to a thumb injury sustained during the Week 8 victory, the team has just placed running back Zavier Scott on injured reserve. Scott will miss at least four games, leaving the depth chart thin. The current roster cannot afford to ignore the pass coverage holes.
Why the Secondary Takes Priority
Many fans want a big edge rusher to help the pass rush. However, league evaluators have shifted their view on what the team actually lacks. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bears have been linked to edge-rushers such as Khalil Mack, but a few league evaluators told him that cornerback is becoming more of a need. Adding another pass-rusher does not fix the leaks in the coverage unit. The offense has been strong, rushing for 1,206 yards through eight games. The defense must match that energy to keep Caleb Williams off the field.
The Case for Woolen Over Young
Reports indicate the Bears have checked in on Saints defensive end Chase Young. The NFL Rumors X account shared that the Bears and 49ers have checked in on the Saints’ Chase Young. While Young has stats to back him up, he is not the right fit for this specific roster gap. The team is also in deep competition with the Lions to acquire Riq Woolen from the Eagles. Thomas R. Petersen reported via X on Thursday that they are reportedly in deep competition with Lions to acquire Riq Woolen from the Eagles. Woolen offers a one-year solution that fits the cap and the timeline. Jacob Infante of Windy City Gridiron wrote that given the fact that Woolen is only a one-year rental, it would be surprising to see him cost more than a Day 3 draft pick. This low cost makes him a smart target compared to the high price of Young.
The Window Is Closing Fast
The Bears have shown they are willing to spend draft capital to win now. They already sent two first-round picks to land Jeffery Simmons. Brad Briggs added context on the injury front, noting it’s actually a thumb injury for Zavier Scott, and there is reason for hope that his stay on injured reserve will be on the shorter side. Even with that hope, the immediate void remains. The team must act to secure Woolen before the Lions steal him away. The next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday starts the clock on this decision.
