The Chicago Bears made some intriguing roster moves on NFL trade deadline day, leaving fans with a mix of excitement and curiosity. While it may not have been the blockbuster deal some hoped for, the Bears' actions certainly sparked debate and raised questions.
In a move that caught many by surprise, the Bears acquired defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the New York Jets, sending a 2026 sixth-round draft pick in exchange. To create space on the 53-man roster, they placed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on injured reserve with a torn Achilles.
Chicago's defensive end unit now boasts a new addition in Tryon-Shoyinka, joining the likes of Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, and Dominique Robinson. However, Robinson's status for the upcoming game against the New York Giants remains uncertain due to a high ankle sprain suffered the previous week.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Bears also made a move to bolster their offensive line, signing Kyle Hergel to the practice squad. Hergel, a 26-year-old UDFA from Boston College, brings experience from the Canadian Football League, having been drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 2024. His new teammate, Theo Benedet, was also a CFL draftee that year, selected by the BC Lions.
And this is the part most people miss... The Bears weren't done yet! They brought in four running backs for tryouts: Isarael Abanikanda, Raheem Blackshear, Montrell Johnson, and ShunDerrick Powell.
So, what do these moves mean for the Bears' future? Are they building a solid foundation for the upcoming season, or is this a sign of something more strategic? The answers may lie in the upcoming games, but for now, these roster changes have certainly left fans and analysts alike with plenty to discuss.
What's your take on the Bears' recent moves? Do you think they're setting themselves up for success, or is there a different strategy at play? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments!