As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, it remains unclear what opportunities will be available to the Chicago Bears when they go on the clock with the 25th overall pick. The only selection that appears nearly certain at the top of the draft is quarterback Fernando Mendoza reportedly heading to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 1 overall. Beyond that, the order could shift in several directions, leaving teams like Chicago uncertain about who might still be available.

One of the Bears’ most pressing roster issues continues to be their pass rush. The defense still lacks a reliable edge rusher capable of consistently starting opposite Montez Sweat, and expectations surrounding Dayo Odeyingbo have not solved that concern. Because of this, adding a high-level defensive end has become one of Chicago’s top priorities heading into draft weekend.

In a recent column for ESPN, analyst Bill Barnwell proposed a possible solution. Barnwell suggested that Chicago could move up from pick No. 25 to No. 16 in a trade with the New York Jets. The goal of the deal would be to place the Bears in better position to secure one of the top pass-rushing prospects before they are taken off the board.

Such a move would likely spark debate among Chicago fans. The suggested package includes parting with a valuable second-round pick that the team previously obtained in the trade involving DJ Moore. Giving up that asset would represent a meaningful cost, meaning the player chosen in the first round would need to make an immediate impact for the deal to be considered worthwhile.

Still, moving up to the middle of the first round could open the door to several intriguing defensive prospects. While highly regarded edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. may come off the board earlier—possibly around the top ten selections—Chicago could still find options such as Akheem Mesidor, Keldric Faulk, or T.J. Parker in that range. Other names like Zion Young and Cashius Howell might also be in consideration depending on how Ryan Poles ranks them on his draft board.

Barnwell also noted that a trade like this could carry extra significance because it might allow Chicago to select a target ahead of a division rival. The Detroit Lions have also been searching for another elite edge rusher who could complement Aidan Hutchinson, which makes the possibility of Chicago jumping ahead of them even more intriguing.

If the Bears were able to secure the defender they covet while simultaneously preventing Detroit from landing that same prospect, the move would be celebrated in Chicago while leaving Lions fans wondering what might have been. Ultimately, the strategy would serve two purposes—strengthening the Bears’ defensive front while potentially frustrating one of their biggest NFC North competitors.