Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson said Monday that general manager Ryan Poles and the coaching staff continue to review possible roster additions ahead of the NFL trade deadline, even after the team already landed defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
The Bears enter their bye week at 7-2 following a 27-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night at Soldier Field. That marks their best start through nine games since 2012. The deadline arrives at 4 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday.
Johnson addressed the tight window during a media session, noting the unusual overlap of a bye and the cutoff for trades.
“I think Ryan’s doing a phenomenal job every day he’s going through and seeing how we can improve this roster. What we need the most of. The coordinators are certainly talking every day right now just where their concerns lie within the roster. And so we’ll see.”
He left open the chance of further activity.
“We’ll see if there’s another move or two to be made or if we stand put.”
At the same time, Johnson expressed faith in the current group.
“I feel really confident about the guys that we have in this locker room right now that I think they’ve proven at this point that we can find a way to win each and every week with this group.”
Chicago acquired Simmons from the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 29, sending a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round selection. The three-time All-Pro has recorded 6 sacks and 48 tackles through nine games this season and made an immediate impact after joining the Bears, including a sack in the team’s 34-17 win at Seattle.
The Bears’ defense ranks ninth in the NFL in points allowed at 20.4 per game and ninth in total yards allowed at 310.9 per game. The unit has been stronger against the run, allowing 91.1 rushing yards per game, which ranks sixth.
League observers have pointed to possible needs for depth at defensive end and cornerback, with lesser mentions of tackle or tight end. Names linked to Chicago in recent weeks include Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen, former Bears corner Nahshon Wright and Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack.
Woolen, on a one-year deal with the struggling Eagles, has been the subject of trade speculation involving multiple teams. He addressed the rumors earlier.
“If it’s up to Howie the GM and my agent then I’m gonna leave it to them but me, knowing me as a person, I’ve worked hard with these guys and I’d love to be here and stay here with them.”
Poles has already shown willingness to spend draft capital for an immediate upgrade, and the coaching staff’s daily evaluations of roster concerns suggest further discussions remain active. Any additional move would need to clear the league office by the Tuesday afternoon deadline.
The Bears return from their bye to host the New Orleans Saints on Nov. 22.
