The Chicago Bears are in a determined hunt for a premier pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat, signaling their awareness of a critical need to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Despite coming up short in the Matthew Judon sweepstakes, the Bears have shown they are ready to act aggressively to address this weakness.
Chicago’s pursuit of Judon, who ultimately joined the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick, underscores their commitment to strengthening their defense. While the Bears were unwilling to part with a third-rounder for Judon, they are not out of options. The franchise owns two second-round picks (their own and the Carolina Panthers’) and a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, positioning them to make a significant move if the right opportunity arises.
One such opportunity could be a trade for New York Jets’ outside linebacker Haason Reddick, a two-time Pro Bowler who has been one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers over the past few seasons. Reddick, who tallied 27 sacks over the last two years, was traded to the Jets this offseason by the Philadelphia Eagles but has since requested a trade after contract extension talks stalled. Entering the final year of his $45 million contract, Reddick is seeking a raise, and the Jets’ reluctance to meet his demands has created a potential opening for the Bears.
Chicago’s potential interest in Reddick makes sense on several levels. Reddick is two years younger than Judon and has a proven track record of durability, having missed just one game in his seven-year career. He has also posted four consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks, including a career-high 16 in 2022, which earned him second-team All-Pro honors.
While the Jets are publicly resistant to trading Reddick, the Bears could present a compelling offer with one of their second-round picks. The addition of Reddick would not only bolster Chicago’s pass rush but could also position the Bears as a serious defensive threat in the NFC.
Should Chicago pull off the trade, they would secure a player in Reddick who, alongside Sweat, could form one of the most formidable pass-rushing duos in the league. With the Bears having fielded one of the NFL’s weakest pass-rushing units in recent years, the pairing of Sweat and Reddick could be the key to transforming their defense and improving their chances of contending in the NFC North.
As the Bears continue to navigate their options, one thing is clear: Chicago is ready to make a move to fix its pass-rushing woes. Whether it’s Reddick or another premier rusher, the Bears’ pursuit of top talent demonstrates their commitment to building a defense capable of competing at the highest level.
