Bears Playing Dangerous Game of Chicken With Defensive Line

The Chicago Bears are currently operating in a high-stakes gamble, as Sports Illustrated first reported. While the organization harbors legitimate Super Bowl hopes, their defensive front remains a glaring question mark. For many in Chicago, the ideal solution was a reunion with Khalil Mack, but that path has hit a wall.

According to reporting from ESPN's Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport, the Los Angeles Chargers have no interest in trading the veteran edge rusher, despite the team currently sitting at a 0-7 record. Furthermore, Sports Illustrated reports that Mack has expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, effectively killing any hope of a trade before Tuesday's deadline.

Without Mack, the Bears are forced to look elsewhere if they want to avoid a defensive collapse. The market offers several options, but each requires a calculated risk. Mike Moraitis of Sports Illustrated suggests that Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals represents the best available talent. Sweat brings a Super Bowl ring and a track record of consistency, having reached at least 7.5 sacks in four of the last five seasons. However, Moraitis notes that Sweat is likely the least probable acquisition, as it would potentially cost a third-round pick—a steep price following the Bears' trade for Jeffery Simmons.

If the Cardinals are unwilling to move Sweat, the Bears could pivot to other targets with varying levels of longevity. Will McDonald of the New York Jets is a possibility; Sports Illustrated notes his snap percentage has dropped from 66% in previous seasons to 48% in 2026, which may signal the Jets' willingness to trade him for draft capital. McDonald has 18.5 sacks over the last two campaigns and one year remaining on his contract after 2026.

Alternatively, the Indianapolis Colts appear to be in a "fire sale" mode after trading DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson. This makes Laiatu Latu a viable target. While Latu has only two sacks in eight games this season, he previously posted 12.5 sacks over his first two years, including a career-high 8.5 in 2025. Latu would offer more than a short-term fix, as he has one year left on his rookie deal after 2026.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans could be a target. Jermaine Johnson II is in the final year of his contract, and Sports Illustrated suggests Tennessee might move him to acquire draft capital for their ongoing rebuild. Johnson has three sacks in seven games this season and recorded 7.5 in 2023 before a significant injury.

**Opinion:** The Bears are playing a dangerous game. By failing to secure a premier edge rusher, they are essentially inviting offensive line carnage. While the front office may be hesitant to surrender more assets after the Simmons deal, the cost of inaction is far higher. If they cannot land a blue-chip talent like Sweat or a productive piece like McDonald, they risk wasting a window of genuine championship contention.