The 2025 NFL draft saw the conclusion of the Carolina-Bears trade that offered Ryan Poles a wealth of draft capital. Notable, as well, is that if Ben Johnson proves to be the answer at head coach, then Chicago cannot expect another Top 10 draft pick (unlike the last three years). This means that the front office might need to build its draft capital in other ways—ways that frankly are more traditional for competitive teams.

Poles is familiar with the process in both directions. He certainly isn’t afraid to trade for players ahead of free agency, with Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson being the most recent examples. To be fair, Ryan Poles is also not afraid to trade players away (e.g. Robert Quinn, Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith). He understands how this game is played. With that in mind, here are t

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