As the NFL trade deadline came and went, the Chicago Bears made only one small move, sending running back Khalil Herbert to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a 7th-round draft pick. While some Bears fans may have hoped for more activity, General Manager Ryan Poles decided to take a conservative approach, avoiding any major shake-ups to the roster. The CHGO Bears Podcast, hosted by Adam Hoge, Mark Carman, and Nicholas Moreano, delved into this decision, exploring whether the Bears should have been more aggressive and what this means for the team’s trajectory.
The Bears’ Sole Move: Khalil Herbert to the Bengals
Khalil Herbert, a versatile and talented running back, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with durability throughout the season. Herbert’s trade to Cincinnati fills a need for the Bengals, who have faced some issues in their backfield. However, the move leaves the Bears’ own running back depth thinner. While Chicago did pick up a 7th-round pick, the return may seem minimal given Herbert’s potential upside. This trade alone likely won’t have a significant impact on the Bears’ season, which may be what Poles intended, keeping the roster intact while adding a future asset.
Should the Bears Have Done More?
The decision to limit moves at the trade deadline could be a signal that Poles and the Bears’ front office are more focused on long-term development than short-term wins. Currently, the Bears sit near the bottom of the NFC North, and their playoff hopes are slim. Some analysts and fans might have wanted the team to sell off more assets, especially given the Bears’ rebuilding status. Players like defensive lineman Justin Jones or cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who have both shown high potential but could command trade value, might have garnered returns in the form of draft capital.
On the podcast, Adam Hoge suggested that the team’s inactivity may reflect Poles’ faith in the core of the roster. “It’s clear he’s thinking long-term,” Hoge said, noting that Poles likely feels the team can build around their young core without too much disruption mid-season. Mark Carman added that Poles is probably balancing the pressure to win now with the knowledge that a complete roster overhaul might not be sustainable.
Evaluating the Roster Moving Forward
The trade deadline’s passing means the Bears are effectively locked in with their roster for the rest of the season. With quarterback Justin Fields returning from injury and players like Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet developing further, the Bears will now aim to evaluate their existing talent to see who could be a part of the future. Running backs like D’Onta Foreman and rookie Roschon Johnson will have an opportunity to step up with Herbert gone, providing more clarity on the depth chart moving forward.
As Nicholas Moreano pointed out on the podcast, “This is a critical stretch for the Bears to find out exactly what they have.” Fields’ play over the second half of the season will likely be a key factor in determining the direction the Bears take in the upcoming offseason. If Fields and the rest of the offense can show progress, Poles may be more inclined to focus on adding pieces around him rather than undergoing a complete rebuild.
The Big Picture: Long-Term Focus for Poles and the Bears
The lack of moves at the trade deadline could be a clear signal from Poles that he’s focused on building a stable foundation rather than chasing immediate success. The 7th-round pick for Herbert won’t likely be a game-changer, but Poles may view it as another asset to use in future drafts as he looks to construct a well-rounded, sustainable roster. With the Bears likely missing out on the playoffs, the focus now shifts to player development, evaluating core talent, and identifying areas for improvement in the offseason.
In the end, Ryan Poles’ cautious approach at the trade deadline reflects a patient, deliberate strategy that will only pay off if the Bears can make the right moves come draft season. Until then, the team and fans alike will be hoping to see some glimmers of growth and potential in what remains of this season.
