In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, teams are constantly looking for ways to improve and fill key roster holes. For the Chicago Bears, one of their most pressing concerns heading into the 2025 NFL season is their defensive line. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields and an offense that has shown flashes of potential, the Bears are looking to strengthen their defense and elevate their competitiveness in the NFC North. One of the most talked-about potential moves for the Bears is a trade that would send two first-round picks to another team in exchange for a perennial All-Pro pass rusher. This bold strategy could have a massive impact on the Bears’ fortunes, significantly altering the trajectory of the team for years to come.
This trade would likely involve a significant shift in the Bears’ approach to team building, and the front office’s willingness to part with two first-round picks speaks to their urgency in finding a difference-maker on defense. The move to acquire an elite pass rusher would signal that the Bears are aiming to compete sooner rather than later, as they look to build a defense that can support a dynamic offense led by Fields.
Why the Bears Are Targeting a Pass Rusher
Pass rush has been an area of concern for the Bears for several years. While the team has had some strong individual performances from players like Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith, they have lacked the kind of consistent, game-changing pass rusher that can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and take over games. The Bears’ defense in recent seasons has shown potential but has been hampered by an inability to pressure the quarterback consistently. While they have built a solid defensive foundation under head coach Matt Eberflus, the absence of a consistent pass rush has kept them from reaching the next level.
The importance of a dominant pass rusher in the NFL cannot be overstated. A player who can disrupt the quarterback, force turnovers, and create chaos in the backfield is a game-changer. The Bears’ defense is built on creating pressure and forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations, but without a top-tier pass rusher, it has been difficult to achieve that goal consistently. With the NFC North becoming increasingly competitive, especially with teams like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings improving in recent years, the Bears need to bolster their defense to remain relevant in the division.
By acquiring a perennial All-Pro pass rusher, the Bears would immediately upgrade their pass rush and solidify their defense as a force to be reckoned with. The impact of having a top-tier pass rusher cannot be understated, as it would provide the Bears with a player capable of changing the course of games. Whether it’s rushing the passer on key third downs or forcing turnovers in critical moments, a dominant pass rusher would elevate the entire defensive unit and give the Bears a much-needed edge.
Who Could the Bears Target?
When discussing the prospect of trading two first-round picks for an All-Pro pass rusher, one name that immediately comes to mind is Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Garrett has been one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL since being selected as the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. His combination of size, strength, and speed makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. In his career, Garrett has accumulated over 100 sacks and has been named to multiple Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams. He is considered one of the premier edge rushers in the league and is capable of taking over games on his own.
Garrett has consistently been a game-wrecking force for the Browns, and his ability to disrupt quarterbacks would be a perfect fit for a Bears team in need of a dominant pass rusher. His versatility in both rushing from the edge and lining up in different positions along the defensive line would give Eberflus a dynamic weapon to work with in his defensive schemes. The Bears would be able to pair Garrett with their existing defensive pieces, creating a formidable unit capable of putting constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
While the Browns have not openly discussed trading Garrett, it is not beyond the realm of possibility, especially given the Browns’ position as a team in flux. The Bears’ willingness to part with two first-round picks could be enough to entice the Browns to make a trade. In addition, Garrett has shown frustration with his current team at times, and the idea of moving to a team with a stronger overall roster and the potential for a deep playoff run could be appealing to him.
Another potential target could be T.J. Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt has established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, earning multiple All-Pro honors and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Like Garrett, Watt’s ability to disrupt quarterbacks and wreak havoc on the field makes him one of the premier edge rushers in the league. The Steelers, like the Browns, are in the midst of a rebuilding process and may be open to listening to trade offers for a star player like Watt. If the Bears are able to make a deal with the Steelers, Watt would provide an instant upgrade to their pass rush and become the cornerstone of their defense for years to come.
There are other pass rushers that could also be targets for the Bears, such as Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers or Chase Young of the Washington Commanders. Bosa has been a consistent force for the Chargers, while Young, although coming off an injury-riddled season, is a highly talented pass rusher with the potential to become one of the league’s best. Each of these players brings a different set of skills and characteristics to the table, but they all possess the one thing the Bears desperately need: the ability to pressure the quarterback and create havoc in the backfield.
The Case for Trading Two First-Round Picks
Trading two first-round picks is a bold and aggressive move, but it may be the right decision for the Bears, given their current situation. The Bears are at a crossroads in their rebuild. They have a talented young quarterback in Justin Fields, and their offense has shown the ability to be explosive. However, without a strong defense to complement the offense, the Bears’ chances of making a playoff push are limited.
The team has already invested in their future with Fields, and now it is time to make a move to put the team in a position to compete. By trading two first-round picks, the Bears would be betting that the addition of a dominant pass rusher would elevate their defense and make them a legitimate contender in the NFC. The risk involved in trading such valuable assets is substantial, but the reward could be even greater. A pass rusher of the caliber of Garrett, Watt, or Bosa could transform the defense into one of the most formidable units in the league, providing the Bears with the kind of playmaking ability that has been missing for years.
The Bears have also shown that they are willing to make bold moves to improve the team. Their acquisition of linebacker Roquan Smith in 2018, despite being a defensive-minded coach’s dream, shows that they understand the importance of making aggressive moves when necessary. While parting with two first-round picks is a significant sacrifice, the opportunity to acquire a game-changing pass rusher could be the final piece that turns the Bears into contenders.
The Impact on the Bears’ Defense
The addition of an All-Pro pass rusher would have an immediate impact on the Bears’ defense. First and foremost, it would provide a consistent threat on the edge, making life much more difficult for opposing quarterbacks. The Bears’ defensive line has often been inconsistent in terms of pressure, but with a player like Garrett or Watt, that would change. The presence of an elite pass rusher would force offensive coordinators to game plan around him, freeing up other players to make plays and allowing the Bears to generate pressure from multiple angles.
Additionally, the Bears’ secondary, which has shown flashes of potential, would benefit from the added pressure up front. The quicker the quarterback is forced to release the ball, the less time the defensive backs have to cover their assignments. With an elite pass rusher, the Bears would be able to disrupt opposing offenses more effectively, leading to more turnovers, more sacks, and better overall defensive performance.
The Risks and Rewards of the Trade
While the potential rewards of acquiring a perennial All-Pro pass rusher are clear, there are inherent risks involved in trading away two first-round picks. First and foremost, the Bears are giving up valuable future assets, which could have been used to add depth to the roster or secure other key players. Draft picks are essential for building a long-term, sustainable team, and trading them away could come back to haunt the Bears if the player they acquire does not live up to expectations or suffers a major injury.
Additionally, there is always the risk that the Bears’ new pass rusher could have a negative impact on the team’s chemistry or fail to fit into Eberflus’ defensive scheme. While the Bears have a strong defensive foundation, adding a new player to such an important position requires careful integration into the system.
However, if the Bears hit on this trade and land an elite pass rusher, the rewards could be enormous. With a dominant defense and a young quarterback like Fields, the Bears could quickly become one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC.