It’s NFL trade deadline day, and the New Orleans Saints have already begun making moves. The Saints traded away Rashid Shaheed in a deal to the Seahawks, and although this was a great start, more work needs to be done. One option the Saints have is on the defensive side of the ball, and it may be time to reunite that player with his former DC.
Would the Chicago Bears Trade for the Saints’ Starting EDGE?
The Bears are reportedly among several teams that are looking to add an EDGE before the trade deadline is complete.
Sources: The #Bears have been actively trying to acquire a pass-rusher before today’s trade deadline. At 5-3, Chicago wants to bolster a key position that’s been hit hard by injury.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 4, 2025
A move like this makes sense for the Bears, who are 5-3 and fighting for first place in the division. There are many available names out there that Chicago can target, but a certain Saints EDGE could be the perfect answer: Carl Granderson.
To start the season, Granderson was near the top in the league in sacks and looked great. This play has fallen off a bit, and it’s clear his fit in DC Brandon Staley’s scheme may not be right for the veteran. Currently, per PFSN’s EDGE Impact metric, Granderson has a 64.9 impact score, which is the worst so far in his career.
MORE: 2025 NFL Trade Deadline Tracker
This is where Chicago comes into play. Current DC of the Bears, Dennis Allen, was the DC of the Saints when Granderson was signed as a UDFA. For most of his career, besides this season, Granderson was coached by Allen and fits his scheme much better. Just last year, when Allen was still with the Saints, Granderson had an 82.9 impact score, and the year before, his score was 85.8, ranking as the No. 14 overall EDGE.
If the Bears want to finalize this deal, they must meet the Saints’ expected steep price. Even with his struggles this season, Granderson is a very good pass rusher, and he makes winning plays against the run. It would probably take at least a second or third-round pick to make a deal.