Bears close finalize landing.
Bears Closing in on $125 Million Superstar to Strengthen Defensive Line Amid Trade Talks
The Chicago Bears are expected to be aggressive this offseason in addressing their defensive line struggles. Adding a second pass rusher to complement Montez Sweat could transform Chicago’s front line into a dominant force, reminiscent of their success in 2018 after acquiring Khalil Mack.
Recent betting odds have linked the Bears to former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who has reportedly requested a trade from the Cleveland Browns. While teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are considered more likely landing spots, Chicago remains a contender due to its available assets. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bears currently hold the sixth-best odds to land Garrett.
Bears Among Potential Suitors for Garrett Trade
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the favorites to acquire Garrett as follows:
- Washington Commanders (+300)
- Cleveland Browns (+500)
- Philadelphia Eagles (+450)
- Buffalo Bills (+550)
- Detroit Lions (+650)
- Chicago Bears (+900)
- Green Bay Packers (+1200)
With significant financial flexibility, the Bears are well-positioned to absorb Garrett’s remaining $125 million contract. Chicago has approximately $63 million in cap space, enough to cover his $20 million salaries for 2025 and 2026, potentially restructuring and extending his deal for long-term security. Additionally, having rookie quarterback Caleb Williams on a cost-controlled contract gives the team extra financial flexibility to invest in a premier defensive player. Bears close finalize landing.
What Would It Take to Land Garrett?
The Bears hold valuable draft capital, including multiple high-round picks in the 2025 draft. SB Nation’s James Dator speculated that a trade could require Chicago’s 2025 first-round pick (No. 10 overall) and the No. 39 overall second-round pick from Carolina.
While Garrett might prefer an established contender, Dator suggested that a new era under potential head coach Ben Johnson could convince Garrett that the Bears are on the verge of a breakthrough, similar to the Detroit Lions’ rise.
However, if Cleveland demands more, Chicago may need to reconsider whether the trade is worth it. The deal would leave them with limited early-round picks, including just one second-round selection (No. 41) and a handful of later-round picks (Rounds 3, 5, 6, and 7).
Garrett’s Impact and Potential Fit in Chicago
Since being drafted first overall in 2017, Garrett has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive ends. Over 117 career games, he has recorded 352 tackles, 102.5 sacks, and 20 forced fumbles, earning six Pro Bowl nods and four First-Team All-Pro selections.
Garrett has logged double-digit sacks for six consecutive seasons, including a franchise-record 16.0 sacks in both 2021 and 2022. In 2024, he continued his dominance with 14.0 sacks, 47 tackles, and an NFL-best 22 tackles for loss.
Should the Bears Make the Move?
Chicago has struggled to identify and develop impactful defensive linemen in recent years. Acquiring a proven star like Garrett would provide an immediate boost, but if the Browns demand too much, the Bears may be better off exploring alternative options to bolster their pass rush.
