Chicago Bears fans, feeling good about the team’s 5–3 record, had high hopes for the front office at the 2025 NFL trade deadline.

With winnable games ahead against the Giants and Vikings, there’s a real opportunity for Chicago to reach 7–3 and solidify its playoff position. But even with that optimism, there’s an underlying truth: the Bears’ defense doesn’t inspire much confidence right now — even if fans trust head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams.

Edge rusher was a glaring need last offseason, and GM Ryan Poles’ answer was to sign Dayo Odeyingbo to a hefty contract. That deal already looks like a massive overpay given his lack of production — and it’s only been made worse by his season-ending Achilles injury.

So yes, Bears fans were still waiting for that splash move at the deadline. But it never came.

Chicago made just one deal, acquiring defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from Cleveland. The move adds some depth to the defensive line and brings in a once-promising first-round pick, but expectations should be tempered.

Disappointing? Sure. But it shouldn’t be.

Chicago showed restraint — and that’s a sign of growth. The front office resisted the urge to chase short-term fixes for a team that’s still a few pieces away from true contention. The Bears’ defensive issues run deeper than a single edge rusher.

Even with Montez Sweat, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Austin Booker all recording sacks against the Bengals on Sunday, and the defense creating three turnovers, Joe Flacco still torched Chicago for 470 passing yards and 42 points. An addition might’ve helped, but it wouldn’t have solved the problem — and it was a seller’s market this year. When you’re still finding your identity as a team, sometimes doing nothing — or very little — is the right move.

The Bears need to build something sustainable for Ben Johnson. The goal should be for this 2025 roster to be the worst one he ever coaches in Chicago. You don’t reach that point by trading away valuable draft capital for a quick fix.

Just look at the Dallas Cowboys. They gave up a first-round pick for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams — an excellent player, but one who won’t change the fact that Dallas isn’t close to contending. That’s a franchise stuck between building and tearing down, never sure of its direction.

The Bears, on the other hand, seem to know exactly where they stand. They need a lot to go right to make the playoffs this season, and adding another pass rusher wouldn’t change that. It would only make it harder to construct a lasting contender in the years ahead.

It’s okay to feel a little let down — everyone wants to see their team go for it. But this wasn’t the year for a splash unless it meant landing a true superstar with long-term control.

Sometimes, the best move is the one you don’t make.