Bears predicted to acquire former Pro Bowler in deadline trade with NFC team

Bears predicted to acquire former Pro Bowler in deadline trade with NFC team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears were dealt another harsh reminder that they need more cornerback help during their Week 9 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chicago’s secondary got cooked for 470 yards and four touchdowns from the arm of Joe Flacco. Luckily, Chicago’s offense came to play and was able to overcome that putrid showing from the defense en route to pulling off what was a wild win.

However, that win can’t let us lose sight of the Bears’ problem, which exists in large part due to the absences of cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, both of whom are on injured reserve.

Pro Football and Sports Network’s Jacob Infante has a logical suggestion for the Bears. He predicts Chicago will trade for Seattle Seahawks corner Riq Woolen.

Riq Woolen hasn’t quite been able to replicate his Pro Bowl ways from his rookie year in 2022. But he’s still a serviceable starting cornerback who fits the tall, lengthy mold that Chicago’s defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes at the position. He’d be a great short-term upgrade to keep the 4-3 Bears competitive for the rest of the year.

Woolen would be a great get for the Bears.

Granted, his play has dropped off since his Pro Bowl rookie season, but his career coverage numbers are still that of a solid starter.

Woolen has given up a completion rate of 54.5% and a passer rating of 71.6 in 54 games over three-plus seasons.

While Woolen has been mentioned as a trade candidate on multiple occasions over the last few months, it appears the Seahawks might be changing their stance.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Seattle is “more likely than not” to hang on to Woolen, which makes sense given their injuries in the secondary this season and the fact that the Seahawks are trying to compete for a playoff spot.

“Everything I’m hearing right now is that (Woolen) is more likely than not to remain with the Seattle Seahawks,” Garafolo said. “He is a free agent at the end of the season. The Seahawks have not given up hope that he will be in their long-term plans.”

That isn’t great news for the cornerback-needy Bears, but Garafolo did not totally shut the door on Woolen getting dealt, so there’s that, also.

If Woolen is available and can be had for a reasonable price, general manager Ryan Poles shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on a deal.