Would the Bears consider a trade for Micah Parsons?

With the 2024 NFL regular season coming closer to the end, the rumor mill is already starting to swirl for teams who will have to make tough roster and coaching decisions. As bad as things have been for the Chicago Bears, they are not the only team who have disappointed and underperformed, as the Dallas Cowboys have also not met expectations.

Coming into the 2024 season, the Cowboys signed both their superstar quarterback and wide receiver, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, but now as the season ends, questions have risen about the future of their star pass-rusher, Micah Parsons. Entering the final year of his contract in 2025, the Cowboys will have a decision to make on Parsons and his future with the team.

On Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys will reevaluate everything about their roster going into next season, and that they haven't ruled out a trade involving Parsons.

It is quite early for any sort of speculation involving a Parsons trade, but it's worthy of the question, should the Bears be interested in trading for him if he's available? Asked about the report on Sunday, Parsons said he understands the business side of the NFL, saying he's stated his desire to remain in Dallas, but no matter where he plays, he vows to play hard.

"I understand how that business side goes," Parsons said. "There are no hard feelings in this business, whether I'n here or anywhere else. Obviously I've stated that I want to be here. But at the end of the day, I understand the business side.

"I've put in a lot of work, I've played hard too, so obviously if sides can't agree to those type of things, it happens like that. But I'm just happy to be here. I'm jut gonna keep playing hard while I'm here. If I'm here for the next five to six years, I'm gonna keep playing hard then too. Ain't nothing really gonna make a difference, Micah is gonna play hard."

Bears have traded for star pass rusher before, Khalil Mack in 2018

The last time a defensive player as impactful as Parsons was available, it was Khalil Mack, who the Bears traded for after the Raiders couldn't find the money to sign him to a long-term extension. In a trade headlined by the arrival of Mack, and a draft pick that was turned into Cole Kmet by the Bears -- coupled with the return for the Raiders headlined by running back Josh Jacobs -- the Bears showed a willingness to pay a premium to get a premier pass rusher.

In 53 games with the Bears, Mack totaled 121 tackles and 36 sacks, but his opportunity to win at a productive level in Chicago was very short-lived. In 2022, the Bears sent Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a second-round draft pick that would ultimately turn into Jaquan Brisker, a bright young core member of the Bears defense. Brisker has struggled with concussions through the early stages of his career and has missed the team's last eight games after suffering a concussion back in October in a win over the Carolina Panthers.

There's no denying that the Bears need to address the trenches on both sides of the ball, but there is certainly an emphasis to focus on their offensive line. Giving up 56 sacks on the season heading into their Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, it's imperative to keep quarterback Caleb Williams upright and protect him for the sake of his long-term durability, and most importantly, team success.

Could Ryan Poles look to make a splash to save his job?

Projected to have three picks in the Top 50 of the 2025 NFL draft, could general manager Ryan Poles ponder the thought of trading his draft capital to land Parsons? Poles has been under fire for his inability to protect Williams and address the trenches. While he's already made a trade for a pass rusher in Montez Sweat in 2023, who was signed to an extension before the 2024 season, could Poles try to save his job with another splash trade?

The Bears defense and the city of Chicago would certainly welcome an elite level talent like Parsons with open arms, but at what cost? Back in 2018, Mack cost the Bears two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a sixth, for the then 27-year old. Parsons, who has been hampered by injuries this season, will turn 26 heading into the 2025 season.

Chicago certainly needs to address their offensive line but are projected to have over $80 million in cap space. With a few extra picks in their draft capital, could Poles roll the dice on Parsons? The move would be risky, but would also more than likely rewarding, so long as they also placed the same emphasis on upgrading their offensive line.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Would the Bears consider a trade for Micah Parsons?