Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ed Oliver is causing quite a stir among Chicago Bears fans.
The Bears need a three-technique in coach Matt Eberflus' defense and Oliver, 25, profiles as an ideal fit. Buffalo exercised the fifth-year option in Oliver's contract for the upcoming season, but after consecutive productive years, he may be looking for a new deal.
And whenever that happens, a trade becomes a possibility.
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has dropped a few hints lately that he isn't done making big moves this offseason, and trading for Ed Oliver would qualify as one. Oliver stoked the trade rumor Wednesday by posting pictures of him sacking NFC North quarterbacks on Instagram.
The only thing missing from his IG story is the Bears. An oversight? Maybe. A clue for what's to come. Perhaps. You be the judge.
Ed Oliver is exactly what Bears defense needs
Ed Oliver would represent a massive upgrade for a Chicago Bears defensive line that needs to generate more pressure and disruption from the interior. That's what he does best.
Oliver started all 13 games he played in 2023, totaling 34 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. He's totaled 14.5 sacks through his first four seasons in the NFL. Oliver's production regressed in 2022 from his quality year in 2021 but he also missed four games. He fits the 'young and ascending' template the Bears used to guide their offseason decisions so far this year.
Poles already poached the Bills by signing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds in free agency. He might not be done yet.