Bears Wire Podcast: Ryan Poles makes early statement with Khalil Mack trade

It’s been a busy couple of days for new Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who’s made some tough but necessary moves.

But none was bigger than trading star pass rusher Khalil Mack to the Chargers for a 2022 second-round pick, a 2023 sixth-round selection and salary cap flexibility beyond 2022.

But Poles didn’t stop there. He also cut two veterans in defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, who he tried to find a trade partner for, and running back Tarik Cohen, who has an injury designation.

The message from Poles was clear: He’s taking it upon himself to cut down and build up this roster the way he wants. That starts by getting some unfavorable contracts off the books, whether via a trade or cut that does require eating some dead money in 2022.

The Bears aren’t going to contend in 2022. Instead, Poles is playing the long game by acquiring draft capital and freeing up salary cap space beyond this season. The opposite of what former Bears GM Ryan Pace did when he continued to push money to the future and worry about the consequences later.

With the Bears’ offseason in full swing, host Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary) and myself (@AlyssaBarbieri) met for an emergency podcast to discuss the Mack trade, the message Poles is sending about his intentions to rebuild this roster and preview free agency.

You can listen to the latest episode below:

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