Reasons for and against the Chicago Bears making a deal for a top defensive end Garrett, Myles

The Chicago Bears are in the midst of a significant rebuild, focused on developing their offense under quarterback Justin Fields and improving their defense to become competitive in the NFC. The team has a promising future but is still missing key pieces, particularly on the defensive line. With an eye on strengthening their pass rush, the Bears have been linked to Myles Garrett, one of the top defensive ends in the NFL, and arguably the best pass rusher currently playing.

Garrett, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and a former No. 1 overall pick, is known for his explosive athleticism, relentless motor, and ability to change the course of games. He has consistently been one of the most dominant edge rushers in the league since entering the NFL in 2017. As such, the idea of acquiring Garrett is intriguing for the Bears. However, there are significant pros and cons to the idea of trading for a player of his caliber, particularly in terms of the compensation required and the potential fit within Chicago’s current roster and long-term plans.

Reasons for Acquiring Myles Garrett

1. Elite Pass Rusher to Complete the Bears’ Defense

The Bears’ defense has shown potential, especially with the leadership of linebacker Roquan Smith and emerging talents in the secondary, like Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. However, they remain lacking in a consistent, game-changing pass rusher. While Robert Quinn had a strong season in 2021, the Bears struggled to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback in 2024. Adding Garrett to the fold would instantly solve that issue.

Garrett’s ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt plays from the edge could completely change the dynamics of the Bears’ defense. With his size, speed, and power, he has the capability to wreck opposing offensive lines, allowing the Bears’ linebackers and secondary players to make plays. His presence would be a game-changer and could elevate the defense to a level where it can compete with the elite defenses in the league.

2. Proven Elite Talent

Garrett is one of the most proven defensive players in the NFL. As of 2025, he has accumulated over 70 career sacks, earning two First-Team All-Pro honors and regularly being a key part of the Cleveland Browns’ defense. Over his career, Garrett has averaged over 10 sacks per season and is consistently among the top players in pressures, quarterback hits, and sacks.

His production is not only elite but also sustainable. At just 29 years old, Garrett is still in the prime of his career, and acquiring him would give the Bears a reliable pass rusher for the next several seasons. His ability to consistently get to the quarterback would immediately improve the Bears’ defensive line and give them a foundation to build on as they continue to develop their young players.

3. Leadership and Experience

One of Garrett’s most valuable attributes is his leadership. As a veteran with playoff experience, Garrett brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. The Bears have a young, developing defense, and Garrett could play a key role in mentoring the younger players, particularly on the defensive line.

Having an established leader in the locker room who sets the tone for practice, work ethic, and on-field performance would benefit the Bears immensely. As they look to grow into a contender, Garrett’s presence would provide the team with a mental edge and elevate the level of play on the field, especially for younger defenders looking to make their mark.

4. Immediate Impact on the Bears’ Defense

The Bears are in a situation where they need to make immediate improvements to their defense. With Justin Fields and the offense continuing to improve, the Bears will need a top-notch defense to help them compete in the NFC. The division rival Minnesota Vikings and other NFC teams such as the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers are all highly competitive, and the Bears’ defense has not been able to keep pace with the league’s elite units.

Adding Garrett would give the Bears an immediate impact player who could elevate the team’s defense and make them competitive within the NFC North. His presence would help the Bears get to the quarterback, disrupt the opposing offense, and force turnovers – critical elements for any championship-caliber team.

5. Potential Championship Window

The Bears’ rebuilding process is rapidly progressing. They have a young and talented quarterback in Justin Fields, an improving offensive line, and a solid secondary. By acquiring Garrett, the Bears could be positioning themselves for a more immediate playoff push. A top-tier defense, with Garrett anchoring the pass rush, could put them in a position to compete for an NFC North title and perhaps even deeper playoff runs.

The NFC North is a wide-open division. The Bears are poised to take advantage of this window, and adding a player like Garrett could give them the edge they need to make a run at the playoffs and potentially beyond.

Reasons Against Acquiring Myles Garrett

1. High Trade Cost

The most obvious downside to acquiring Garrett is the potential trade cost. The Cleveland Browns are unlikely to part with a player of Garrett’s caliber for anything less than a significant haul. As the No. 1 overall pick in 2017, Garrett is considered an irreplaceable talent for the Browns and would not come cheaply.

The Bears would likely have to give up a combination of high draft picks and possibly key players in exchange for Garrett. This could leave the Bears without the necessary resources to continue strengthening their team, particularly in areas like the offensive line, depth on defense, or additional skill positions. Although Garrett’s production would improve the Bears’ defense, the cost may be prohibitive, especially if the Bears have to give up multiple first-round picks or a potential future star.

2. Salary Cap and Financial Flexibility

Garrett’s contract is another significant hurdle. While the Bears do have cap space, Garrett is under a long-term contract worth a substantial amount of money. His salary will be one of the highest on the team, and while the Bears could afford him in the short term, the long-term financial implications are worth considering. Adding Garrett would put the Bears in a position where they have fewer financial resources to spend on other key areas in future offseasons.

While the Bears have financial flexibility in the immediate future, managing Garrett’s contract in the years ahead could limit their ability to retain key players or bring in new talent. Teams often face the difficult choice of whether to pay top players like Garrett or spread the wealth across a roster to build more depth. The Bears will need to assess whether they want to make that commitment, given the other potential needs on the roster.

3. The Bears’ Defensive Scheme and Fit

Another concern is whether Garrett would be a perfect fit for the Bears’ defensive scheme under Matt Eberflus. The Bears run a 4-3 defense, which is designed to rely on the defensive line generating pressure through quickness and discipline. While Garrett is incredibly talented, the question remains whether he would thrive in the Bears’ system, especially considering his current role in the Browns’ 3-4 defense.

Garrett is certainly versatile enough to adapt to different schemes, but it’s possible that the Bears may need to make tweaks to their defensive approach to maximize Garrett’s skill set. This could create an issue if Garrett doesn’t mesh with the system or needs more time to adapt, potentially delaying the immediate impact he could have on the field.

4. Team Needs Beyond Edge Rusher

While edge rusher is a critical need for the Bears, the team also has other areas that require attention. Adding Garrett would bolster the pass rush, but it might come at the expense of addressing other key positions. For example, the Bears need help in their offensive line, which remains a weak point despite the addition of key pieces in recent drafts. Additionally, the Bears still lack depth at wide receiver and could use more playmakers to support Justin Fields in the passing game.

The Bears will need to weigh whether acquiring Garrett is the best move considering their other roster needs. If they allocate too much of their resources to one position, they may neglect other areas that need more immediate attention to fully maximize their potential.