Why the Bears Didn’t Make a Trade at the Deadline as NFC North Rivals Made Their Moves

Chicago stayed patient

The Bears ended Tuesday without adding a player, even though reports had linked them to possible cornerback help. The team was seeking more depth at the position amid concerns about Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson.

Chicago may also have explored the edge-rusher market after reportedly contacting the Los Angeles Chargers about Khalil Mack weeks earlier. The most likely explanation for the lack of a deal is that the Bears could not secure the player they wanted at an acceptable cost.

The Simmons acquisition had already required two first-round picks, a historic package for a defensive tackle trade in the common draft era. That investment may have made Chicago reluctant to pay heavily for another player.

Minnesota lands Cousins

The Vikings made the deadline’s biggest move, acquiring quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Las Vegas Raiders. Minnesota sent a 2027 third-round pick in return. The move addresses uncertainty at quarterback after struggles by Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz. The report says Cousins should provide an upgrade.

Detroit and Green Bay

Detroit traded for safety Andre Cisco on Monday but made no further move Tuesday. The report characterizes the addition as modest and says the Lions needed a major deal to improve a defense described as among the NFL’s worst.

Green Bay made no trade at the deadline or beforehand. The Packers were the quietest of the division’s teams in the account.

Simmons deal shapes reaction

The Bears’ lack of deadline activity was presented as unlikely to anger fans, given the impact of the Simmons trade. The report describes that acquisition as exceeding expectations, making any additional move a bonus. Chicago’s interest in other players suggests the team did explore options, but it ultimately stayed put rather than make a deal at a price it did not want to pay.