If there is one thing we’ve learned about Ryan Poles since he became the Chicago Bears’ GM, he is always looking for ways to improve his team at the trade deadline. He dealt for Chase Claypool in 2002 and Montez Sweat in 2023. If the Bears look like they could be competitive by the end of October, there is no reason to think Poles will stay quiet at the deadline. It comes down to whether any potential deals would be worth exploring. Well, one name just popped up that doesn’t feel possible.
Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog is known for having strong connections around the league. He hears things a lot of people don’t. That is why it was interesting when he dropped a not-so-subtle hint that the Cleveland Browns could make superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett available if their season spirals out of control over the next few weeks.
Cleveland is in a miserable situation. They are trapped in a brutal contract situation with quarterback Deshaun Watson. He has played some awful football since arriving a couple of years ago. The Browns’ blowout loss to Dallas in the opener was a bad sign. Four of the next five games are on the road, followed by matchups with the Bengals and Ravens. There is a real danger they could be 3-5 or 2-6 by that point. In such a case, Cleveland would have a tough decision to make. They will be almost $5 million over the cap next year. With no solutions at quarterback on the horizon, unloading Garrett might be their best chance to get a head start on the rebuild.
The three-time All-Pro is still 28 years old. He’s in his prime. The guy has posted at least 12 sacks in each of the past four seasons. He is on a clear path to the Hall of Fame. His contract has two years left on it, which would give the Bears some decent control. Getting the chance to pair him with Montez Sweat has to sound incredibly appealing. The tougher part is whether Ryan Poles will give up two 1st round picks for him. Such a large package for one player, even somebody like Garrett, is dangerous. Chicago’s track record with deals like it is hit-and-miss at best.
Ryan Poles has preferred to build through the draft, but opportunities like this rarely come around often.
