The NFL Trade Deadline is today.
And while the Chicago Bears jump-started their defense with a trade for Jeffery Simmons, more moves could be on the horizon.
Here’s what you need to know.
When is the NFL Trade Deadline?
Today. More specifically, 3 p.m. CT. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when the clock hits 3:01 p.m. CT, the conversations stop, trade transmissions shut down, and the dust settles with front offices stuck with whatever players they’ve got on their roster. To be clear, the trade deadline isn’t the end of NFL in-season transactions. There will be cuts, waiver claims, and street free-agent signings between now and the season’s end. But after today, there will be no more trades until March 11, 2027 — the scheduled start of the NFL’s new league year.
HOW TO WATCH: ESPN and NFL Network are airing a SportsCenter special that kicks off at 2 p.m. CT. It can also be watched on the ESPN app. TRADE TRACKER: We’re running a live trade tracker here, which will come in handy when all of the trades go down.What You Need to Know About the Chicago Bears Before the NFL Trade Deadline
SALARY CAP SITUATION
The Bears have $2,165,809 in available cap space according to OverTheCap.com. Only the Kansas City Chiefs ($1,082,082 under the cap), Los Angeles Rams ($16,564 over the cap), and Carolina Panthers ($327,721) have less cap wiggle room than Chicago right now. Hence, I’m not expecting another blockbuster deal for the Bears. Instead, I am envisioning trade deadline acquisitions that help at the margins, stop-gap options whose contracts expire at year’s end, or players with another year of team control on a rookie-scale deal.
Worth noting: OTC projects the Bears to be $23,639,538 over the 2027 salary cap. This isn’t something that is top of mind right now, but it is something to be aware of as we navigate the trade deadline.
Nov 2, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (99) on the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn ImagesTEAM NEEDS AND WHO’S POTENTIALLY AVAILABLE
Even though the Bears addressed their biggest need by trading for defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, the chatter that has since followed is that this front office isn’t done dealing. To this point, General Manager Ryan Poles hasn’t made another move. But it sounds like there are irons in the fire.
If Chicago has another move (or moves!) left in the chamber, these are the position groups (and some possible targets) they’d be wise to target.
Cornerback — The injury bug has gnawed at members of the Bears’ secondary all year long. Cornerback Kyler Gordon spent time on injured reserve to start the season. Fellow cornerback Tyrique Stevenson has been playing through injuries dating back to training camp. Jaylon Johnson, another cornerback whose recent injury history has been well-documented around here, hasn’t looked like his old self. Even rookie Malik Muhammad has been dealing with a toe injury that has caused him to miss two games. After addressing defensive line needs with the Simmons trade, the front office should make acquiring a cornerback before the deadline a top priority.
CONNECTED TO THE BEARS: Eagles Riq Woolen, Jets Nahshon Wright
Defensive line — In baseball, the best front offices add pitching depth to bolster their team’s rotations and bullpens because there is no such thing as having too much pitching. When it comes to football, I think of defensive line help the same way I think about pitching — you can’t have too much of it when your team is in a competitive window. So if not a cornerback, the Bears should be shopping around for another defensive lineman.
CONNECTED TO THE BEARS: Chargers Khalil Mack, Cardinals Josh Sweat, Commanders K’Lavon Chaisson, Titans Jermaine Johnson II
Oct 27, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) takes the field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsTight end — We’re starting to see what the loss of Cole Kmet looks like on the field, specifically in the running game. Rookie Sam Roush’s development is an ongoing project. Veteran Stephen Carlson didn’t give us much to write home about in his 2026 season debut on Sunday Night Football. The Bears’ passing game can thrive running 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) while Kmet is out, but the ground game suffers while being a tight end who is a superb blocker and is a threat to run a route and catch a pass.
CONNECTED TO THE BEARS: Because Kmet’s injury is so recent, there haven’t been any connections made here. And it is possible the Bears don’t view this as a position of need. The only notable tight end who could be on the block is Dallas Goedert, who is on an expiring deal with the Eagles but is more known as a pass catcher.
Offensive line — What I wrote above about addressing the edge rusher and defensive line needs is applicable to the offensive line. I don’t think there is a starting-caliber left tackle available at the trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean Chicago shouldn’t kick the tires on some potentially useful depth options.
CONNECTED TO THE BEARS: Chicago reportedly had interest in trading for Quenton Nelson before he landed with the Seattle Seahawks. That makes me think that the team is open to trading for offensive line help — and could be willing to get creative to do it. But other than Eagles standout Landon Dickerson, a guard by trade, there aren’t any headliner names out there who are obvious fits.
WHAT DO THE BEARS HAVE TO TRADE?
Player-for-player swaps are rare in the NFL, but I know better than to rule anything out. With that being said, the Bears would be more likely to trade from their stockpile of 2025 NFL Draft picks. This is what they have at their disposal (pick number projections via Tankathon)
2027 NFL Draft Picks
Round 2, Pick 61 Round 3, Pick 94 Round 5, Pick 148 (via Atlanta Falcons) Round 6, Pick 208 Round 7, Pick 251 Round 5, Pick 1542028 NFL Draft Picks
Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 5 (via Tennessee Titans) Round 6 Round 7CHECK OUT THE BN BEARS PODCAST: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
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