NFL trade deadline: Bears players who could be on the way out

The NFL trade deadline is just hours away, and the Chicago Bears have been quiet as buyers and sellers as the Nov. 5 cutoff approaches.

At this time last season, the Bears acquired defensive end Montez Sweat in a massive trade with the Washington Commanders, and his addition proved to be the missing piece for this defense. His impact was immediate and has carried over into this season. But Chicago wasn't an active seller at the deadline last year, even despite the fact that their playoff hopes weren't very high.

With the Bears sitting at 4-4 with the trade deadline on deck, it's unclear whether they'll be buyers or sellers. There are definitely needs along the offensive line, and they look to acquire an interior lineman. But there are also some players on the roster who don't seem to have a role and could be dealt at the deadline.

With that in mind, here are four players who could be traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline:

1. RB Khalil Herbert

This is the most likely of all the options on our list considering there are several teams in need of a capable running back. Khalil Herbert, in the final year of his rookie deal, has been a healthy scratch in the past two games as the Bears are rolling with a 1-2 punch of D'Andre Swift and short-yardage back Roschon Johnson. Herbert has been an effective runner for Chicago in four years, but he just doesn't seem to have a role in this offense. The Bears could certainly look to deal him to a team in need, especially considering they're not likely to re-sign him in the offseason. But this team is also one injury away from needing Herbert's services.

2. OG Nate Davis

The Bears appear to be done with Nate Davis, who signed a three-year contract during the 2023 offseason and has been one of Ryan Poles' biggest duds. Davis was a healthy scratch for two consecutive games, but was active on Sunday due to the injury concerns along the offensive line. But he did not see action in Week 9. It's a clear indication that he’s fallen out of favor, and Chicago is gearing up for the return of guard/center Ryan Bates, making Davis even less needed. Davis could serve as a depth piece for a team in need of an interior offensive lineman. If Poles can manage to get a late-round pick for Davis, who will likely be released at some point, it would be a huge win.

3. DE Dominique Robinson

Former sixth-round pick Dominique Robinson went from being a healthy scratch for eight games to starting in place of an injured Montez Sweat. But even then, he's still very much on the trade block, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicated on Oct. 23. Robinson has been a non-factor for Chicago's pass rush, up until Sunday, with a slew of options behind Sweat in DeMarcus Walker, Darrell Taylor, rookie Austin Booker and Jacob Martin, who's fresh off injured reserve. Robinson was a surprise addition on the 53-man roster this offseason, and he likely won't make the team next year. So if the Bears can get even a late-round pick for him, why not?

4. WR Keenan Allen

This is the least likely of all of these scenarios considering the Bears dealt a fourth-round pick to land Allen this offseason as a means to help rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. While Allen has had an astounding career, he's been a non-factor this season for Chicago's offense, outside of a two-touchdown performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Allen had another rough outing against the Cardinals, where he had some rough drops and wasn't a reliable option for Williams. The Bears have receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze and tight end Cole Kmet on the roster, so it wouldn't be a tragic loss should Chicago manage to get an enticing offer for Allen. But I still don't see this happening. But don't rule anything out, if the price is right.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL trade deadline: Bears players who could be on the way out