Better D-line health can keep Ryan Poles' restraint from backfiring
The additions might not be done for the Bears but the trading is.
Saying the efforts of GM Ryan Poles at this trading deadline didn't quite meet the expectations of Bears fans probably understates it a bit. Maybe they eventually sign cornerback Asante Samuel if he really is healthy, as he claims, but that's not going to help their pass rush and options to do this pretty much are now exhausted.
Fans had the social media torches and pitchforks out for the Bears GM after the only trade for the team was a sixth-rounder in exchange for Cleveland bench player Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the former Tampa Bay first-round pick who hasn't come close to living up to his draft pedigree as last pick of Round 1 in 2021.
The 15 career sacks probably didn't quite light a fire under the fan base after all kinds of edge rush names had been floated around for several days. Maxx Crosby, Myles Garrett, Bradley Chubb. They needed a reality check if they seriously thought their team, with $7.8 million in salary cap space was going to trade for someone every competitor in the NFL wanted.
However, trading for someone a bit more on the tip of the tongue than somewhere down in the gullet definitely would have been more pleasing now. It could have been ill advised by next year because they still will be on the hook to Odeyingbo for about $22 million that they won't get back.
Just a fact…. Many players who were said to be available never really were unless some team stupidly way overpaid.
Several are criticizing Poles for not doing more. You can’t make a trade unless there is a trade to be made. It takes two. I’m sure if the right deal was there, he…— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) November 4, 2025
One possibility from this quiet approach to the obvious need for defensive end bodies is that it could mean Dominique Robinson's ankle injury is not as serious as everyone pictured and they expect him back quickly in the mix.
Their alternatives until they do get Robinson back are using Gervon Dexter more off the edge than they have so far or using Daniel Hardy more. The latter might be better than the former if it means less time will be spent by Hardy on special teams, namely the hands team.
Dexter has been used outside or over tackle just on 38 downs this year but they played him there 144 times last season.
Perhaps the lack of a move merely looked worse than it was because Philadelphia's Howie Roseman went right after what he wanted and landed Jaelan Phillips and the Ravens landed a player in Dre'Mont Jones who seemed like a perfect Odeyingbo replacement and did it for only a fifth-round pick.
The Bears are not team creating great pressure on quarterbacks with their pass rush, off the edge or otherwise. Stathead/Pro Football Reference says they are 25th in rate of pressure at 17.3%. They're his low despite being middle of the pack, 17th overall, in blitz percentage.
Perhaps their answer will be to blitz more or more effectively, but they've lost a big chunk off the edge and haven't replaced it.
Nor did they address cornerback with a trade, although they definitely did it with the signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. It's just that, like with edge rusher, they've been hit hard with injuries and could have used one more while a big name like Sauce Gardner was dealt—albeit for a ridiculous price.
Of course some teams, probably too many, overreact to the trade deadline and Poles showed more restraint, but it was very easy to do considering the really big names were not really available and the next layer of edge players were then overpriced in terms of cap space but also because of the asking price in compensation. They weren't going to throw away first-rounders.
Restraint rarely wins applause. The Bears need to hope Poles' decision not to get too caught up in the league-wide momentum by making another Chase Claypool-type trade unnecessarily isn't turned into a poor one by even more immediate injuries on the defensive line.
The Bears are a young, building team and some of the trades out there for them would have derailed this with high compensation demands. They let Jerry Jones run around tossing first-round picks like they're loose change.
Usually their approach works, but it can come at a cost of maybe a win or two in a season when they seem to be on one of those wild rides through tight, miraculous wins.
Those extra players might prove to be the ones they needed to reach the playoffs with one or two more needed victories.
Jimmy Holiday Fires Back After Being Cut: ‘They May Cut Me, But I Won’t Stop!’
In the cutthroat world of the NFL, where roster decisions can happen overnight, Jimmy Holiday refuses to be defined by rejection. After being released from the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad just days before the trade deadline, the rookie wide receiver sent a powerful message to the league and his critics.
“They may cut me today, but don’t ever think I’ll stop. I’m a warrior, and I’ll prove my worth somewhere, with any team.”
Holiday’s words reflect a level of confidence and determination that many young players might struggle to maintain after facing such a setback. Despite his release, Holiday’s resolve to continue pushing forward is unwavering. His statement isn’t just about football; it’s a declaration of his drive, his commitment, and his refusal to back down.
🔥 Holiday’s Journey So Far
The 23-year-old wide receiver’s journey to the NFL has been far from easy. After a standout career at Western Kentucky, where he made significant plays on offense and special teams, Holiday caught the attention of several teams. He ultimately earned a spot on the Chiefs' practice squad after a strong preseason, even impressing coaches with his 50-yard reception. However, with the Chiefs needing to make room for other players, Holiday found himself on the outs.
The timing of his release could not have been more critical. With teams looking to strengthen their rosters for the playoff push, Holiday’s status as a free agent could be short-lived if other teams recognize his potential.
💪 A Warrior’s Mindset
Holiday’s response to being cut speaks volumes about his mindset. The NFL is a league where opportunity can vanish in an instant, but Holiday refuses to let his journey end with a single setback. He views rejection not as a defeat but as fuel for his future.
For Holiday, this is just the beginning. His belief in himself and his refusal to let any obstacle stand in his way are traits that could make him a valuable asset for any team willing to take a chance. And while it’s uncertain where his next opportunity will come from, one thing is clear: Jimmy Holiday isn’t done.
🚀 What’s Next for Holiday?
For now, Holiday will continue to stay in shape and wait for the phone to ring. NFL teams are always looking for young, hungry talent to add to their rosters, and with Holiday’s potential, it’s only a matter of time before he gets another chance. His performance in training camp and the preseason showed he has the tools to succeed, and now it’s all about proving that he can perform when the stakes are higher.
One thing is certain: Holiday’s journey is far from over. His statement echoes the mentality of an athlete who isn’t afraid of adversity. Whether it’s with the Chiefs or another team, Jimmy Holiday is determined to prove that he has what it takes to succeed in the NFL.
