The Chicago Bears, sitting at 5-2 and squarely in the playoff conversation as Week 8 unfolds, continue to scan the trade market for defensive line reinforcements ahead of the November 10 deadline.
One name drawing attention is Philadelphia Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr., the former first-round selection whose availability could grow if the Eagles absorb another defeat on Monday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys.
Philadelphia has already dropped four of its first six contests and lost starting quarterback Jalen Hurts to season-ending blood clots, leaving the franchise in a vulnerable spot.
Analysts have begun framing the team as a potential seller, and The Athletic’s Daniel Popper recently placed Smith on a list of plausible trade candidates while naming the Bears among possible destinations.
Popper noted that the Eagles restructured Smith’s fifth-year option in an uncommon move, meaning a deal would generate only a little under $1 million in dead money for 2027 and open a path for general manager Howie Roseman to retool with future draft capital.
Smith, described as a violent edge-setter, had already logged 13 pressures through six games.
For Chicago, the fit is intriguing rather than automatic. Smith has recorded just 13.5 sacks across 51 career games, yet he has posted three sacks and strong pressure totals early in 2026 while holding up better against the run than his 6-foot-2, 238-pound frame might suggest.
A change of scheme could unlock more consistent pass-rush production, and his modest sack totals might allow the Bears to acquire him at a reasonable cost.
In a trade he would bring only the remaining portion of his $1.145 million guaranteed base salary for 2026; the Bears would then face roughly $4 million in additional obligations to retain him through 2027 on the back end of his $25.8 million rookie contract.
The obstacle is Philadelphia’s asking price. A late Day 2 selection or equivalent package could work, but a straight second-round demand would likely end discussions.
One speculative framework has the Bears sending a conditional 2028 fourth-round pick that could escalate to a third based on production, along with a 2027 sixth-rounder.
Chicago has already shown willingness to explore the market, with reports of inquiries about Los Angeles Chargers veteran Khalil Mack.
In the meantime the Bears will get a clearer look at their existing rotation Monday night against Seattle, when Montez Sweat returns from a two-game PED suspension to join Austin Booker and Shemar Turner.
Dayo Odeyingbo remains ineligible to come off injured reserve until after the deadline, giving the front office an eight-day window after the Seahawks game to decide whether the current group is sufficient or whether a move for someone like Smith is needed to protect their strong start.
