The Chicago Bears have made their intentions clear ahead of the 2026 NFL trade deadline. Their significant acquisition of Jeffery Simmons from the Tennessee Titans has strengthened an already competitive roster, and the defensive tackle is preparing to make his Chicago debut against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. Simmons has also expressed his excitement about returning to primetime after several years without a nationally televised appearance.
As they enter Week 8 with a 5-2 record, the Bears have legitimate expectations of competing deep into the postseason. General Manager Ryan Poles has already given up two future first-round draft picks to acquire Simmons, demonstrating how aggressively the organization is pursuing its championship window. This investment may also lead the Bears to reevaluate which players are essential to their plans.
Three players stand out as potential candidates for departure, although the organization has different reasons for considering each one.
3. Tyson Bagent
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Tyson Bagent has provided valuable support for the Chicago Bears at the quarterback position since joining as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His development is particularly impressive given his background at Division II Shepherd University, where he became one of the most productive quarterbacks in college football history. During his rookie season, Bagent showed he could manage NFL responsibilities and has since been an essential part of the Bears’ quarterback room. His experience became especially relevant earlier this season when injuries created uncertainty surrounding the offense.
Under head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears have emphasized the importance of quarterbacks who understand the system and can keep the offense running smoothly despite changing circumstances. Bagent’s familiarity with the organization gives him an advantage over newcomers who would require more time to learn the playbook. This experience could also make him appealing to teams facing their own quarterback challenges.
Several organizations have struggled with inconsistent passing performances this season, and finding a reliable backup who can start games is often difficult. Bagent has shown enough composure and command to attract interest from teams seeking someone who can compete immediately. His value would be particularly attractive to a team looking for an affordable alternative to signing a veteran quarterback with a substantial contract.
Chicago could consider a trade if another team offered meaningful compensation, especially since Case Keenum brings additional experience to the quarterback room. The Bears will need to weigh whether the potential return from a trade outweighs the importance of keeping a reliable second option behind Caleb Williams.
This calculation makes a trade less likely than it initially may seem. Chicago has championship aspirations, and losing its most familiar backup could leave the offense vulnerable if Williams were to suffer another injury.
Bagent’s experience gives him real value on the trade market, but it also highlights why the Bears should think twice before moving him without a compelling offer. He ranks third in the importance of potential trade targets, even though Chicago has strong reasons to keep him on the roster.
2. Kentavius Street
Chicago’s acquisition of Simmons changes the outlook for several defensive linemen, particularly for Kentavius Street. Street joined the Bears during the offseason after spending time with Atlanta, bringing experience to a defensive front that needed additional depth and versatility.
His ability to play multiple interior positions made him a valuable addition while the coaching staff evaluated their available options. Before the Simmons trade, Chicago relied on a rotation of several veterans but lacked a consistently dominant interior pass rusher. Dennis Allen managed to keep the defense competitive, but the organization recognized the need for a more disruptive presence to challenge the NFC’s strongest offenses.
Simmons provides this missing element with his capacity to collapse the pocket and create problems against the run. His arrival should enable Allen to develop more aggressive defensive packages around an established interior playmaker, and for Street, the implications of this trade could include fewer opportunities in obvious passing situations and increased competition for playing time.
The Bears still need a reliable rotation, especially since their defensive line has already faced injuries this season, as Grady Jarrett remains an important contributor, while younger defenders are competing to establish themselves within the system.
Street’s experience gives Chicago a reason to retain him, although another team might view him as a more significant contributor than the role he is likely to fill following Simmons’ arrival. Teams struggling with interior depth often explore the trade market for defensive linemen who can provide immediate assistance without requiring a substantial financial commitment. Street could appeal to organizations seeking a versatile veteran capable of handling rotational assignments.
A late-round draft pick would represent a realistic starting point for negotiations, particularly if Chicago believes its defensive front can manage without him. The Bears have already given up considerable draft capital in the Simmons deal, so the prospect of recovering another selection is attractive. Poles cannot realistically replace first-round picks through a modest transaction, but accumulating smaller assets would provide useful flexibility when planning for the next offseason.
1. Roschon Johnson
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Roschon Johnson approaches the trade deadline with the most uncertain offensive role among potential candidates in Chicago. The former fourth-round selection has struggled to secure a consistent place in the Bears’ backfield, despite showcasing the physical running style and versatility that initially made him an intriguing prospect.
Currently, D’Andre Swift is the team’s primary running back, handling the majority of the offensive responsibilities and providing valuable production as both a runner and a receiver. Additionally, Kyle Monangai has earned opportunities within the rotation, giving Chicago another young option capable of contributing in various situations. As a result, Johnson has spent considerable time outside the primary rushing rotation.
In seven games, Johnson has participated in approximately 15 percent of Chicago’s offensive snaps, which is a relatively minimal workload for a player in his fourth NFL season, and while his contributions on special teams are valuable, his limited involvement in the offense raises questions about his future with the organization.
When given the opportunity, Johnson has demonstrated the ability to run with physicality and handle receiving responsibilities. These qualities may attract teams looking for affordable depth, especially those whose running back rotations have been weakened by injuries. His experience in different offensive situations could make him a practical addition for a team seeking a short-yardage option or a reliable rotational contributor.
Trading Johnson would provide him with the chance to compete for more meaningful offensive touches while allowing Chicago to recoup some value for a player whose role has diminished. His rookie contract expires at the end of the season, making him a potential unrestricted free agent in 2027. Therefore, the Bears must consider whether retaining him for the remainder of the games offers more value than accepting a late-round selection before the deadline.
The depth of Chicago’s backfield remains an important factor, as Monangai has faced injury concerns, and Swift’s heavy workload creates a real need for dependable alternatives. Moving Johnson without sufficient confidence in the remaining rotation could expose the Bears to unnecessary risk. The recent promotion of Zavier Scott to the active roster provides the coaching staff with another option; however, special teams responsibilities and familiarity with the offense will influence any final decision.
Given Johnson’s limited role, expiring contract, and potential appeal to teams needing running back depth, he stands out as the most realistic candidate for a trade. While Chicago may not receive substantial compensation, a modest return could still be preferable to losing him in free agency without any replacement benefits.
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