Unexpected Name Tied To Chicago Bears Ahead Of Trade Deadline

The Chicago Bears haven’t given anything away regarding the trade deadline. That means one of two things. Either they aren’t planning any moves, or they’ve managed to keep any such plans a careful secret. GM Ryan Poles has hatched surprises before. Still, nobody is sure what to expect. However, one thing is clear. If they do make a move, it will likely be on the pass rusher market. The Bears have struggled getting to the quarterback this season. Dayo Odeyingbo hasn’t solved their problems as hoped, and Austin Booker still hasn’t returned from his knee injury.

It would be great if they could land a stud like Maxx Crosby, but the more probable outcome is they add some rotational depth who might give them extra juice. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN dropped an interesting name fans may not have expected.

Arnold Ebiketie, Edge, Atlanta Falcons
The buzz: Ebiketie has had trade interest dating back to the offseason. The 2022 second-round pick is on an expiring contract, and rookies James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker are a big part of Atlanta’s future at edge rusher. The Falcons don’t necessarily want to trade Ebiketie but typically at least listen to offers when presented. — Fowler

The tape: At 6-2 and 250 pounds, Ebiketie fits the profile of a 3-4 edge rusher who can be schemed in sub-package sets. Ebiketie is a linear mover with short-area speed and the hand usage to set up blockers. Defenses could use Ebiketie as a nickel rusher. He doesn’t have a sack yet in 2025, but he had exactly six in each of the past two seasons. — Bowen

Predicted chance of getting traded: 25%
Team fits: Chicago Bears

Ebiketie was a consistently productive player for Atlanta over the past two seasons, collecting six sacks and 12 QB hits in 2023 and 2024. However, the team’s large infusion of high draft picks to the mix has limited the 26-year-old’s playing time. A fresh start elsewhere might be best for all parties.

Ebiketie can offer something the Chicago Bears currently lack.

That is speed. They have plenty of size and power with Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat. Booker was supposed to balance the scale with his speed and explosiveness until he got hurt. Ebiketie can threaten the edge with his first step and displays quickness that makes tackles nervous. It would give much-needed variety to the Chicago Bears’ pass rush. The question is whether defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would be on board with it. His track record suggests that he doesn’t usually like undersized defensive linemen, often preferring those who are 6’5″ or taller and weigh 270 pounds or more. The only exceptions were Von Miller and Khalil Mack, and that was because both were clear game wreckers regardless of their size. Such is not the case with Ebiketie.

Allen would have to utilize him in specific ways, often strictly in pass rush situations. It can work, but that depends on if the Bears think they can help the struggling defender rediscover is old form.