Bears Listed as Top Trade Fit for Falcons’ Edge Rusher
The Chicago Bears could be eyeing another move to strengthen their defensive front, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie has continued to draw trade interest dating back to the offseason. Now, as the NFL trade deadline quickly approaches, the Bears have been named as a top trade fit by ESPN for the Falcons’ pass rusher.
While Atlanta isn’t actively shopping the Ebiketie, they are reportedly willing to listen to offers, which opens the door for the Bears, who could look to provide a boost to their pass rush midway through the 2025 season.
A Productive Pass Rusher Seeking More Opportunities
Ebiketie, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 250 pounds, has been a quietly effective pass rusher since entering the league. In each of his last two seasons, he recorded six sacks, which is impressive considering his rotational role in Atlanta’s defense.
According to Falcons writer Will McFadden, five of those six sacks in 2024 came after the team’s bye week, showing a late-season surge in productivity and consistency. McFadden also noted that Ebiketie himself felt he “left some on the table.”
That opportunity, however, has become increasingly difficult to come by in Atlanta. The Falcons invested heavily in their pass rush this offseason, drafting rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, both of whom are expected to be foundational pieces of their defense moving forward. As a result, the former 2022 second-round pick has found himself short on opportunities this season.
For Chicago, this situation presents a perfect opportunity. The Bears’ pass rush remains one of the few areas in need of reinforcement, and with the Bears’ cap space at just $8.6 million according to Over the Cap, the team might not go after high-profile pass rushers at the NFL trade deadline.
Why Arnold Ebiketie Fits What Chicago Needs
Ebiketie’s profile lines up well with what head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen look for in their edge rushers. He plays with a low center of gravity and has the short-area quickness to win off the line. Ebiketie’s tape shows a linear, explosive motor that he converts speed into power to get to the quarterback.
Despite not registering a sack yet this season, Ebiketie’s past production suggests he could thrive in a system that leans more heavily on four-man fronts and rotational pressure packages.
For general manager Ryan Poles, the move would also align with the Bears’ long-term vision. Ebiketie is on an expiring rookie deal, meaning Chicago could acquire him for a late-round draft pick without taking on a significant salary. If he performs well, the Bears could then explore a contract extension, similar to what they did with Montez Sweat after acquiring him from Washington, but at a cheaper cost.
Ultimately, a potential trade for Arnold Ebiketie would represent a low-risk, high-upside move for the Bears. If Chicago is serious about making a playoff push in 2025, bringing in Ebiketie could be the move that helps their defense take the next step.
Cowboys’ Polarizing Receiver Could Make or Break 2025 Season
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The Dallas Cowboys are one week away from taking the field to kick off the 2025-26 NFL regular season against the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. While much of the attention has been on players who may or may not be on the field, one player who will be is George Pickens.
Dallas made a splash during the offseason with a post-NFL draft trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the star wide receiver. Pickens pairs with CeeDee Lamb to give the Cowboys one of the top wide receiver duos in the league.
With the season approaching, Pickens has high expectations after quickly building chemistry with his Cowboys teammates and he could be help determine the direction Dallas' season goes.
Ben Solak of ESPN.com shared his list of "X factors for all 32 teams" and Pickens got the nod for the Cowboys.
"The Pickens trade is one of many significant moves made this offseason, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is regarded as the single most impactful trade by the end of the campaign," Solak wrote.
"Pickens is unquestionably the most talented running mate Lamb has had since prime Cooper and has the capability of leading the Cowboys in targets any week. Dallas' running game looks suspect, and its defense looks beatable, so the wide receiver room really needs to help Dak Prescott reach 400-plus-yard outings for the Cowboys to compete. The Pickens-Lamb duo has legitimate Ja'Marr Chase-Tee Higgins and A.J. Brown-DeVonta Smith potential."
Dallas will be hoping to that kind of payoff from the trade.
Last season, Pickens hauled in 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns. With Lamb on the opposite side and a healthy Dak Prescott throwing the ball, a 1,000-yard season is well within reach.
