Trade Watch: Bears linked to two veteran players |
Dustin Riese
· · 3 hours ago
It's incredible what can happen when you win a game you typically wouldn't win. Sunday is a prime example of that, as the Blocked Field Goal victory by the Bears is a game they would've lost a season ago, but instead, Chicago found a way to get to 2-2, as opposed to 1-3. That's a massive difference when you look at the trajectory of one's season and the likelihood of a team making or missing the playoffs.
While it would be nice for the Bears to keep that momentum going this week, they have bigger fish to fry as this week marks the Bears' bye week. Typically, you never like bye weeks this early in the season, but it's actually coming at a good time for Chicago, as they have several banged-up players who could use the extra week off to get healthy and ready to go for the rest of the season. Once things resume next week at Halas Hall, Chicago will be preparing for week six of the NFL season, and believe it or not, the trade deadline will be less than three weeks away at that point. That alone is hard to believe, but it's the reality of the world we live in, as this NFL season is already flying by. Knowing the deadline will be here before we know it, Chicago continues to have their name floated around the league as potential trade targets are being linked to the Bears. Many of the names have already been discussed, but two more have been added to the list as potential players to watch as the deadline nears, with running back Rico Dowdle being the latest addition. By now, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see the Bears searching for running back help, as their rushing attack, or lack thereof, has been nonexistent all season. D'Andre Swift did find the endzone against the Raiders on Sunday to give the Bears the lead, but with only 69 yards on 2.7 yards per carry, Swift struggled to move the ball with consistency. Going further, the entire Bears' running back room hasn't been able to move the ball, as Kyle Monangai and Swift have combined to average just 3.8 yards per carry. That won't suffice in today's game, which is why outside help may be needed to turn things around. Could that come from Dowdle, who is currently enduring a rough season in Carolina after rushing for 1000 yards last season? Dowdle may not be the flashiest name on this list, but considering it would only take a sixth- or seventh-round pick to make a trade, he is by far the most cost-effective option. He is coming off a season with the Cowboys that saw him tally 235 carries for 1,079 rushing yards (4.6 per carry), also adding 39 catches for 249 yards and five total TDs. That helped him earn a one-year deal with the Panthers, where he was expected to pair nicely with Chubba Hubbard. Instead, the 2025 season has been a nightmare for Dowdle, picking up just 28 carries for 83 yards and a TD through four games. Clearly, something isn't working in Carolina, and a change of scenery could be needed to get him back on track to being a reliable backfield option.
While the running back position continues to be a position of conversation, please don't put it past the Bears to look for defensive help at the deadline, especially in the pass rush.
Enter Pere Werner, who is the newest defensive name added to the list of potential deadline candidates. The 6-3, 242-pounder was a former second-round pick out of Ohio State and was drafted by the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2021 season.
He has remained with the Saints ever since and has been one of the steady forces on that defense, even if the numbers don't always show. What is significant about that is he has four years of experience playing for Dennis Allen and his defense, as his scheme is something that Werner should be able to pick up relatively easily once again.
Werner played a significant role in the overall success of the Saints' defense during Allen's tenure, as he trusted Werner with all play calls and communications across the board. That history alone could make a reunion likely at some point, and with him under contract through the 2027 season, this would benefit the Bears in both the long-term and short-term outlooks.
As is the case with Dowdle, acquiring Werner may come easier than expected, especially considering the Saints are one of the worst teams in the league this season and will have to shed a significant amount of cap space next season. Some have even suggested that it may only take a fifth-round pick to acquire Werner, and if that is all it takes, Chicago should make a move for him.
Since entering the league in 2021, the now 26-year-old has appeared in 60 total games, playing in at least 12 games every season. During that time, he has logged 357 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 15 tackles for a loss, and three fumble recoveries, demonstrating a knack for being around the ball. Adding Werner would push Noah Sewall down the depth chart, but even at that, it gives the Bears more overall depth, which is all you can ask for.
