Hold onto your helmets, football fans, because the Chicago Bears are making a bold move to shore up their beleaguered defensive line. In a trade that’s sure to spark debate, the Bears have acquired Joe Tryon-Shoyinka from the Cleveland Browns, just days after losing starting edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to a devastating season-ending Achilles injury. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this trade a savvy solution or a desperate gamble? Let’s dive in.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, a seasoned NFL insider who’s been covering the Bears since 2022, broke the news on Tuesday. According to sources, the Bears are sending a 2026 sixth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Tryon-Shoyinka and a 2026 seventh-rounder. On the surface, it’s a low-risk move, but the implications run deeper.
Tryon-Shoyinka, a 26-year-old defensive end, was a first-round pick (32nd overall) by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. After the Bucs declined his fifth-year option, he signed a one-year, $4.75 million deal with the Browns this offseason. However, he struggled to carve out a significant role in Cleveland’s deep defensive line rotation, playing behind stars like Myles Garrett and Alex Wright. In eight games, he logged just 31 defensive snaps, recording nine tackles and one quarterback hit, while contributing 58 snaps on special teams.
But here’s the part most people miss: Tryon-Shoyinka’s potential could flourish in Chicago, where he’s expected to step into a rotational role at defensive end. With Odeyingbo out, the Bears desperately need depth, and Tryon-Shoyinka’s experience—including 15 sacks over four seasons in Tampa Bay—could be a game-changer. Joining him in the rotation are Austin Booker, who recently returned from injured reserve and recorded a sack in his 2025 debut, and Daniel Hardy. Together, they’ll line up opposite Montez Sweat, forming a trio that could finally stabilize the Bears’ pass rush.
However, this trade also highlights the Bears’ offseason struggles. The team invested heavily in their defensive line, signing Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal despite his limited starting experience and injury history. They also inked defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to a $43.5 million contract and drafted Shemar Turner in the third round. Yet, injuries have derailed these plans, with Odeyingbo, Turner, and Jarrett all sidelined at various points.
Here’s the burning question: Can Tryon-Shoyinka and the current roster step up to salvage the Bears’ season? Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged the team’s rollercoaster ride, stating, ‘It’s one of those deals where it feels like we take some strides at particular positions, then we take some steps back. That’s the NFL season.’ He also expressed hope that Dominique Robinson, another injured defensive end, could return soon.
As it stands, Chicago’s pass defense ranks 25th in the league (237.6 yards per game), and their sack percentage sits at 18th (6.59%). With Tryon-Shoyinka in the mix, the Bears are betting on experience and depth to turn things around. But will it be enough?
What do you think? Is this trade a smart move, or are the Bears simply patching holes in a sinking ship? Let us know in the comments below!
