Bears Hold Steady as Vikings Trade for Kirk Cousins

The Chicago Bears stayed with their current roster at Tuesday’s trade deadline, keeping the team that is pursuing a Super Bowl after acquiring defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee two weeks earlier. Chicago gave the Titans two first-round picks for Simmons.

Minnesota made the NFC North’s biggest deadline move, trading a third-round selection to Las Vegas for Cousins, who played for the Vikings from 2018 through 2023. The move comes as starter Kyler Murray is sidelined by a hamstring injury and backup Carson Wentz struggled in Monday’s loss to Buffalo.

The Bears had been linked as possible targets to Chargers pass rusher Khalil Mack and cornerbacks Nahshon Wright of the Jets and Riq Woolen of the Eagles. Mack and Wright previously played for Chicago; Wright could still become available this season if New York releases him.

Buffalo’s win over Minnesota put Chicago atop the division for the first time since Week 1. The Bears are 7-2, ahead of the Lions and Vikings, both 6-2, and the Packers at 6-3. Chicago is off this week and hosts New Orleans on November 22. Minnesota visits Green Bay on Sunday, while Detroit plays New England in Germany. The Bears’ next meeting with Minnesota is scheduled for the final week of the season.