The Chicago Bears have already made some strong moves this offseason, but as newly appointed head coach Ben Johnson emphasized, they are now entering the critical “player acquisition” stage. Johnson’s assessment is spot on—free agency begins next month, followed by the NFL Draft in April. The Bears face several pivotal decisions that will shape their success in the upcoming season.
One move they should avoid, however, is trading for Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. Reports indicate Garrett recently requested a trade, sparking speculation about a potential move to Chicago. However, general manager Ryan Poles would be wise to pass on this deal for two main reasons:
1. The Cost in Draft Capital Would Be Too High
A trade for Garrett would likely resemble the Bears’ 2018 acquisition of Khalil Mack, which cost them multiple premium draft picks—two first-rounders, a third-rounder, and a sixth-rounder—in exchange for Mack, a second-rounder, and a conditional fifth-round pick. That trade ultimately fell short of expectations, largely because the Bears lacked a true franchise quarterback, as Mitch Trubisky failed to live up to that role.
Acquiring Garrett would likely require at least one first-round pick, possibly two, along with additional assets or even a player. The Bears, however, are not a single pass rusher away from being true contenders. With multiple roster holes—especially on the offensive line—it would be more prudent to retain their draft capital to address key weaknesses.
2. Financial Flexibility Would Take a Hit
Chicago enters the offseason among the top 10 teams in available salary cap space. While Garrett’s 2024 salary is approximately $19 million, any team trading for him would likely need to sign him to a lucrative extension. Though the Bears have the funds to make a splash, that money would be better spent elsewhere.
Improving pass protection should be a bigger priority—last season, the Bears’ rookie quarterback endured a staggering 68 sacks. Instead of committing a large portion of their cap to one high-profile defender, the team should allocate resources toward strengthening the offensive line and addressing other critical areas.
Final Takeaway
Myles Garrett is undoubtedly an elite player, but the price—both in terms of draft capital and salary—makes a trade an unwise move for the Bears at this stage. Ryan Poles should exercise patience and focus on building a well-rounded roster for sustained success.
