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The Chicago Bears didn't make any major moves at the NFL trade deadline, only acquiring edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka in a deal with the Cleveland Browns. However, they could potentially add a big piece to their secondary. Ian Rapoport has reported that cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. will be meeting with the Bears next Tuesday now that he has been cleared for action after offseason spinal fusion surgery. Read more: Cowboys’ Blockbuster Trade Has Major Catch That Everyone is Missing Samuel will also be meeting with a host of other teams, including the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, two of Chicago's NFC North rivals. The Packers have been tabbed as a top potential destination for Samuel, given that Nate Hobbs is now sidelined with a torn meniscus and with Green Bay needing cornerback depth in general. Meanwhile, the Bears also really need a corner with Jaylon Johnson currently on the shelf due to core muscle surgery. Adding Samuel would not only bolster their secondary, but it would be a big hit to the Packers, as well. Samuel spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers and was a very solid contributor throughout his tenure with the club. The Chargers originally selected Samuel in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and in his rookie campaign, he posted 43 tackles, a couple of interceptions and 11 passes defended in 12 games. Samuel proceeded to log double figures in passes defended over his first three seasons, and while he has yet to make a Pro Bowl, he was arguably one of the most underrated and overlooked corners in the league throughout that span. Last year, the 26-year-old played in just four games before suffering a season-ending injury that would result in his very serious procedure in April. Read more: Browns Insider Exposes Tough News for Shedeur Sanders Of course, there are legitimate questions about Samuel's health moving forward, but given his age and the fact that he probably would not cost a whole lot of money right now, he comprises a desirable potential addition for many contending teams. The Bears rank 25th in the NFL in passing defense, so they could certainly use Samuel's presence in their defensive backfield.
