The Chicago Bears shook up the NFL with their blockbuster acquisition of Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Now in Chicago, Simmons is expected to make an immediate impact on the defense. The Bears could still make other moves before the trade deadline, but few would top this blockbuster deal. Perhaps everyone missed a subtle hint about the impending move when head coach Ben Johnson spoke to the media Wednesday.
Johnson was asked about potential trades. He didn’t outright suggest that a major move was coming, but one of his comments may have offered a hint of what was to come.
“There’s a lot going on. Certainly [Bears general manager Ryan Poles’s] domain, and yet we have constant dialogue of what this team needs and where we can impact ourselves, not just this year, but years in the future as well. He’s turning over every stone that he possibly can to improve this football team, just like he has ever since I’ve gotten in this building. Feel really good about our process, and we’ll see what happens. You never know,” Johnson said.
There’s a Lot Going On… You Never Know
Johnson chose his words carefully, but his comment about “a lot going on” may have been a bigger hint than it initially appeared. Of course, his closing remark that “you never know” also stands out. Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen have to be thrilled with this acquisition. With the offense primarily needing to keep its quarterback and playmakers healthy, the defense has remained the team’s biggest area of concern.
The Bears’ secondary has been a particular weakness. Little did we know, however, that this move could help address that problem in a major way. One of the best ways to support a struggling secondary is to bolster the defensive line with an elite pass rusher. Simmons gives Chicago a chance to do exactly that, potentially opening the door for a deeper playoff run and extending its Super Bowl window.
That doesn’t mean the Bears are finished making moves. Trade rumors surrounding potential additions to the secondary and EDGE groups continue to swirl. Chicago has a prime opportunity to build on this acquisition and transform a talented defense into a formidable unit. Perhaps even an elite one. Several cornerbacks could still be available to strengthen the current personnel or potentially provide an upgrade at the position.
The Bears could also receive reinforcements from injured reserve in the coming weeks. However, those potential returns shouldn’t stop Poles from continuing to explore the trade market and turn over the stones Johnson mentioned.
Are the Bears done making trades, or do they have another trick up their sleeve?
There’s a lot going on… you never know.
More on the Chicago Bears
- Fresh Off Jeffery Simmons Blockbuster Acquisition, Bears Linked to Chargers’ Linebacker Deal, Says NFL Insider
- Bears Injury Week 8 Thursday Injury Report: First Report and Analysis
- What Are the Bears Getting With Jeffery Simmons? They Might’ve Gotten the Best Deal of the Trade Deadline
- Bears Have a Five-Star Position Matchup Brewing That They Must Win in Week 8
