The Chicago Bears have the chance to make some crazy draft-day moves. Aside from their first overall pick presumably being used for Caleb Williams, there’s a lot of uncertainty. With the fewest selections out of every NFL franchise, the Bears must recoup some much-needed draft picks. It’s hard to trade down with only four picks in the entire draft so some players might be traded during draft day.
There’s also another layer to this that many people fail to realize. The Bears have a lot of draft capital in 2025. With this year’s class loaded with talent compared to next year’s class, the Bears could leverage their 2025 draft picks to acquire veteran players during this year’s draft. Who’s on the chopping block, and who might be the newest addition in Chicago?
Chicago Bears Draft Day Moves: Who’s In And Who’s Out?
Out: Khalil Herbert, Running Back
The Chicago Bears were the first team to strike during free agency, signing running back D’Andre Swift to a major deal. This isn’t a good sign for current Bears running back Khalil Herbert, who enters the final year of his rookie deal. The Bears also drafted Roschon Johnson last season, who displayed flashes during his rookie year.
Herbert exceeded expectations for a sixth-round selection in Chicago, establishing himself as a dependable running back for the Bears. However, it’s not Herbert’s skill set that places him in a precarious position; instead, it’s Swift’s lucrative contract and Johnson’s three remaining years on his rookie deal. This leaves Herbert as the odd man out in Chicago.
Potential Trade Scenario
Chicago Bears Receive: 2024 Sixth-Round Pick
Dallas Cowboys Receive: Khalil Herbert
In: Khalil Mack, Edge Rusher
The Bears are in desperate need of another edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat. Following the recent trade of Keenan Allen to the Bears for a fourth-round pick, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Chargers consider trading another player to Chicago. Not only that, but Khalil Mack was previously a Bear. He was one of the most formidable pass rushers Chicago ever had, and Mack has expressed his love playing for the Bears in the past.
Despite being 32 years old, Mack remains among the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Last season, Mack registered 17 sacks, five forced fumbles, and 74 total tackles as a Charger. His veteran presence would be a significant asset to the team, considering the Bears are one of the younger teams in the NFL. Acquiring Mack shouldn’t necessitate a high draft pick due to his age and existing contract. Fans and the team alike would undoubtedly embrace his return to Chicago.
Potential Trade Scenario
Chicago Bears Receive: Khalil Mack
Los Angeles Chargers Receive: 2025 Third-Round Pick
Out: Braxton Jones, Left Tackle
This is more of a scenario-based trade. Braxton Jones is a solid left tackle for the Bears. However, if the Bears decide to make a surprise selection at pick nine, selecting one of the top tackles in the draft, that could mean the end of Jones in Chicago. In the NFL, if you can upgrade at a position, you take it. Just like the Bears decided to upgrade at quarterback by trading Justin Fields and presumably drafting Caleb Williams, the same situation can be applied at left tackle.
Drafting Joe Alt, Olumuyiwa Fashanu, or JC Latham would be an upgrade at left tackle. Although the Bears have other holes to address, providing your rookie quarterback with two franchise tackles is a recipe for success.
Potential Trade Scenario
Chicago Bears Receive: 2024 Fourth-Round Pick
New England Patriots Receive: Braxton Jones
In: Andre Cisco, Safety
Looking into both the Bears and Jaguars situations at safety, both teams have different problems. The Jaguars have a good problem where they have three standout safeties: Antonio Johnson, Andre Cisco, and newly acquired Darnell Savage. On the other hand, the Bears recently signed a short-term solution at free safety with Kevin Byard. Outside of Byard, the only other noteworthy safety on the Bears roster is Jaquan Brisker. The Bears could use some depth, notably at free safety, by trading for Andre Cisco, who looks like the odd man out in Jacksonville. Cisco could offer reliability in Chicago’s defensive backfield. With his rookie contract set to expire soon, the Jaguars could benefit from obtaining a return for Cisco rather than losing him for nothing in free agency.
Potential Trade Scenario
Chicago Bears Receive: Andre Cisco
Jacksonville Jaguars Receive: 2025 Sixth-Round Pick
Main Photo: [Jeff Hanisch] – USA Today Sports
