Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show - Chris Emma: Trades are on the table for Bears as they contemplate cap casualties

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

Leila Rahimi, Marshall Harris and Mark Grote were joined by Score reporter Chris Emma live from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis to share what he learned from Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson meeting the media Tuesday.

This hour is brought to you by Menards. Once more time. Save big money at Menards. Ro! Would it be on the table for you guys to at left tackle with Tune as a longer-term solution, or is that only something you would do in a pinch? I would say only in a pinch. We like him at a left card.

That's where we like him to play next year. Okay, so that is also big. Ryan Bulls. That was his side session. Joe Tooney is not going to left tackle. How does that conversation go? Hey, Joe, are you going to left tackle? No. No.

It's not going to happen. And now for one of our reporters who was there to witness Ben Johnson's emphatic answer about Tyson and in person. Some people like Chris Emma. I love Chris Emma. We go to Indianapolis and our

score hotline and that is where we find Chris Emma. He is also on Twitch.tv slash the score Chicago is I'm absolutely crying laughing. Chris, that has to be the moment of the offseason so far on tape. Ben Johnson talking about Tyson Bayesian in such an emphatic manner. Chris is live from our combine on our hotline. And yeah, I see your face, Chris. I know you're still trying to process that. Well, there's a little bit more coming your way.

You're going to hear Ben Johnson from a side session here shortly. I just filed that audio in right before this. He opened with some jokes of the expense of Caleb Williams and his three-point shooting display at the NBA All-Star weekend. So Ben at the end of the season was intense and locked in on every single moment of a playoff push. And here he is now a month later and he's in good spirits and the smiles out and he's having fun again. So it was a different Ben Johnson from when we last saw him. In playoff mode, you're going to hear more from him later.

Christopher, what do you so far today of everything that you have heard? What is the biggest story? I know there's lots of nuggets. There's lots of things that you guys ask, but what's the number one thing so far? I think my biggest takeaway, Mark, is the fact that they don't know which direction this offseason is going to go just yet because they are still needing to make some cap-clearing decisions and there's some significant ones looming. And in past years, Ryan Poles, and he's discussed this, the idea of cutting guys,

before the combine so their agents can be out here in Indianapolis talking with teams and getting deals in place. The only player they've cut so far is Amen Ogbogamemima Miagga, and that's the guy they planned to cut all along. Tremaine Emmons is still on the roster. DJ Moore is still on the roster. D.J. Moore is still in the roster. DeAndre Swift, what Ryan Poles indicated today is he has to consider all scenarios. And what he also indicate is that he's getting calls about trades from other teams, teams that know the bears need to get under the cap and make some difficult decisions and teams that are willing to salvage the bears instead of cutting a player, let's make a deal. And Ryan Poles was asked directly, and I think he might have played it by now, the idea of,

is DJ Moore somebody you're going to have back on this roster? Do you need to consider moving his contract? And he said, we love DJ Moore. This is a guy we think very highly of. But at the same point in time, you've got to consider all scenarios. So that's on the table. I think you could put a bunch of other guys on that table as well in terms of players. They could potentially trade away and salvaged cutting a Tremaine Demens or D'Andre Swift,

which he kind of indicated they want DeAndre Swift back, period, the contract works. I think you might have a trade in the working here in the next couple weeks before the league new year and a deal in place where you can get under the cap naturally that way. Chris Emma is the Bears reporter for 104-3, The Score, joining us here on Rahimi Harris and Grotie and Chris. One thing I was so interested in, we haven't heard from Ben Johnson since the hires are made and his staff, as guys get replaced. And we are today. And I was curious about the messaging of Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson.

A year ago, we were saying Ben Johnson's definitely in charge. Ryan Poles has been given kind of a second chance. Does that dynamic hold based on what you heard today from those two guys? You know, throughout the season, I really just feel they got naturally on the same page. And Ryan Poles to his credit, like this is not a guy with an ego. And part of that is the fact that you are brought back to get another hire. You got to put your ego aside if you have one. But that's not the kind of guy Ryan Poles is.

And I think he, along with Ian Cunningham before him, now Jeff King, truly committed to the idea of we've got an all-star level head coach. Let's do whatever he needs in terms of building this roster. Let's get Ben Johnson players on offense. Let's get Dennis Allen players on defense. I don't know if they're going out of getting a CJ Gardner Johnson without the approval of Dennis Allen, but Nishon Wright without Al Harris, et cetera, et cetera.

I think Ryan pulls in his brass of such faith in this coaching staff. They're comfortable doing whatever they need in terms of the personnel side and trusting these guys to develop them up. And you saw that throughout the course of last season. so many individual success stories along with the breakthrough season. So I was fascinated by that dynamic a year ago. How is this going to work with an incumbent general manager working with a first-year head coach and the power of personnel?

I really believe they were on the same page all the way through the season and more so after having the kind of breakthrough they did. We're talking to Chris Semva. He is reporting for us here on 104, 3, The Score at the Combine. He also joins us on Twitch, Twitch.tv slash the score Chicago. and Chris, I want to go back to what you mentioned, that quote from Ryan pulls about DJ Moore. When you hear him talk about scenarios multiple times and the decisions the team has to make, what did you gather from just how serious he's taking this?

And I think the possibility, because DJ Moore is such a wanted talent, too, that that is really weighing on him. It's a luxury to have three really dynamic receivers, DJ Moore. Roma Dunez, who played through so much last year, injured, that you expect better of him next season. And then Luther Burden, who flashed brilliance at times throughout the course of last season. That doesn't even include the tight end room with Colston Loveland. You've got so many options in this passing game.

At the same point in time, DJ Moore has a contract of 20 plus million a year going through the next four years. It's a hefty deal. And as you've got to make these decisions, and we'll get to the next step in a second here, but the Caleb Williams contract in the future, like that's a contract in DJ Moore that's going to loom large over Caleb Williams' discussions,

and your ability to strike that kind of deal properly. So it was a great contract when they signed DJ more to that, but he's coming off a tough drop in production. You've got options at wide receiver, and given the way that contract works, you can't release him. You're in a spot where if a team is willing to take on that contract and see him as a number one who can step in for a team on the rise,

you've got to consider that move. And I know there's been a lot of talk about the Max Crosby possibility. That's thinking way too big. I think the bear's willingness, if they can get a suitor with a good return to take on that contract, they'll be willing to do it. That cures a lot of ills and a lot of problems you have in terms of getting your books set for the future.

So I think the Bears would absolutely be willing to make that move. So yeah, so he could still end up here, Chris, but I think in conclusion with what you just said and with what Ryan Pohl said, they are shopping, they are shopping. Yeah, I think he's being shot more so than the Bears are shopping. Ryan Poles said they're getting interest. He's getting calls from other teams. And look, teams become vultures when they see a team like the Bears that's over the cap and has until March 11th to make those decisions.

The Bears don't want to cut Tremade Emmons. They don't want to cut D.Andre Swift. They don't want to cut guys like that who are obvious candidates. And trading DJ Moore solves most of those problems. And by the way, you're pretty well set at wide receiver without him. As much as they love the guy and they do. This is not about that last play in the playoff game. They're not mad at DJ Moore.

They love this guy. But if you get a suitor to take on that contract, you've got to be willing to do it. I love that approach because that's a realistic approach. It's pragmatic. When you look at the draft, obviously you're there for the combine. They're looking at these guys who are supposed to be the next wave. Do you feel like from their answers, they are going to lean more towards defense? I heard the best player available, which yes, that's what you do early.

but how much will this be symmetrical maybe to what they did on offense last year, defense maybe this year? If I had a dollar for every time you heard best player available here in Indianapolis this week, I'd be a rich, rich man. Yeah, that's what you're going to hear plenty. But look, when you're picking at 25, that's kind of got to be the approach you have to some degree. Yes, it's a deep draft in defensive lineman in edge rushers and what the bears desperately need. But I asked Ryan Pulse about that spot today, and he kind of pointed to the idea of they never,

they felt really confident. They had their defensive line set a year ago, and the injuries took it to Alston Booker, didn't come on until he was fully healthy from the knee injury. And Diode Daimbo, who they said is going to be ready for the start of training camp. That's their belief. And they really believe this D-Lines going to come together once they get guys healthy. And they want a second shot of that while continuing to add players this offseason.

One of my takeaways is that they are wide open and left tackle. And I think their hope is that somebody falls to them at Pick 25 where they can get a franchise left tackle there. And Ryan pulls roll out the idea of they're not moving Joe Tundi to left tackle. Darno Wright, they want him at right tackle next to Jonah Jackson. They said that's off the table a year ago that was on the table to move Darno right to left tackle. They are sent at four out of five offensive line spots and they are wide open and left tackle. It's not a great free agent class in that position. You know, Bracston Jones will be one of the top guys available and they've already kind of formally and formally parted ways with him.

I think they're hoping somebody in the draft is there for him. I think they're perfectly comfortable as well with Theo Bennett coming back. maybe you take a veteran option after the draft if it doesn't completely fall your way. But this is a very strong tackle draft. And I think their hope and desires to get somebody there at pick 25. Okay, Chris, I think we've spent enough time now, not talking about it. So it's time. Ben Johnson's answer about Tyson Baygent when we were laughing about it.

Like we spent a whole segment talking about it because it was amazing. Brian Poles is a little more business like, said the team in receive calls. and you were there. What was Ben Johnson's tone and what was his emotion when he issued the famous no? You know, it was, Ben Johnson loves Tyson Bayesian. They are wired the same way,

and you can take that any way you want. They've got a little bit of that inner demon to them where those guys are the most intense competitors you'll find out there. And Ben Johnson does not want to lose Tyson Bayesian. Now, take it back to when that contract extension was struck during training camp last year, they weren't so sure about,

Caleb Williams in that moment. And obviously he came on and ascended and looked like the guy you wanted him to be. But it was an insurance policy at the time. And your best case scenario played out. Caleb Williams is your guy going forward. And you got Tyson Bayesian as a luxury option where consider this quarterback market is not great. Malik Williams is your top free agent out there. Teams would love to trade for Tyson Bayesian.

So what are you looking for? What are you willing to get for him that would make you make that deal? The Bears value Tyson Bayesian more than any other team in the league. much is clear with the grumbling though that we got from Ben Johnson. Would they settle for a three for Tyson-Bajun? Would it have to be a two? I'm curious by that. You've got to strike the balance of your value, which is very high for Tyson-Basian, with what teams are desperate enough to do to get him, because there's going to be a lot of teams really desperate to make that move. The NFL draft is a craft shoe for quarterbacks. You don't know if you're a team that's in

the mid of the first round, trying to figure out if you're going to get your franchise guy or just settle for whatever. So it's a fascinating option because he's proven himself as a starting caliber quarterback in this league and certainly teams around the league see it that way. All right. Speaking of the starter of the Chicago Bears, he is Caleb Williams. What are you hearing, what are you inferring or discerning from the things you are hearing from GM and head coach about Caleb Williams? Ryan Poles was asked today about their cap situation and generally spoke with credit to Matt Feinstein who runs their administrative side. and the decisions they have to make here in the immediate future before March 11th.

But then he pivoted without being asked about it to Caleb Williams and said, look, we've got to start considering them bottles and the formulas of that contract for him. You're a year away from if he has that kind of strong third season, you're giving him that top dollar that a franchise quarterback gets. That is anointing him beyond just lip services. He's the franchise quarterback and he paid like it. The Bears are preparing themselves for that. And Ryan Pulse made it clear, like they're setting up their books for scenarios with and without Caleb Williams getting that kind of long-term deal.

That is the ideal scenario. That is something Chicago has been starved for, is having that quarterback for it. You're paying him crazy amounts of money and saying, this is our guy. We don't care. We're going to win Super Bowls with him. And that's what you've been desperate to have in this city or not this city in Annapolis, but in Chicago. So the bears are preparing themselves for that. They understand that that scenario is on the table.

Ryan Poles also said, look, I'm not saying anything's there, though. He's got to improve. He knows it. Ben Johnson knows it. The follow-up was, what does Caleb Williams need to do in your mind? Ben Johnson kind of took the answer about stacking that consistent performances, being more efficient, putting the ball in the right spot to his wide receivers where they don't have to be reaching it for you're not misfiring. And that's 70% completion maybe heard about before the season.

It didn't come close to that. That was a benchmark that granted a high one that Ben Johnson wanted to see Caleb Williams close to. you want to see a more efficient, more consistent product from him in year three. If that's the case, you're rewarding him with that top dollar and you're moving forward without any regrets. Looking at this actual combine, have you started looking at who they should be looking at? I mean, I love this week because there's just so much wild speculation, but you're there, Chris, and you're going to be there all week. So how are you approaching it from your angle? Well, yeah, it's fascinating to see.

You'll also hear from executives and league scouts talking about how this is really just where you confirm what you saw on tape. And the medicals are obviously the most important factor. But those meetings are critical, too. Your opportunity to get one-on-one with them. We've heard so much when the Bears select a player talking about from the head coach or the GM about how they were struck in that meeting here at the NFL Combine and how it was such a strong impression. And for Ryan Poles, the importance of building a team the right way, building guys with character and who love football. This is where you truly turn over those stones and figure out.

is this somebody who can be part of a barding culture that was part of this breakthrough season. So it really sets up well from a talent standpoint where even at Pick 25 and you're so happy to be there as opposed to pick into the top five or top 10 again, you're going to get some talented players falling your way. And this is a draft that stacks up when you talk about tackle, you talk about defensive lineman. You've got a lot of talent. Somebody's going to be there for you at Pick 25. You're not sitting there taking whatever scraps you can find. This is a deep draft.

It's a talented draft. and it sets up well for where the bears want to go. And we know, Chris, that Ian Cunningham had spoken about the compensatory draft picks. We know Ryan Poles had as well. Anything else do you want to add to that discussion or what you're seeing at the combine when it came to the Bears possibly getting compensatory picks? At least we know that there's going to be another conversation surrounding that idea. I love the way Ryan Poles answered that question.

He was very, he said what we knew about his relationship with Ian Cunningham. They were setting each other up. There was a scenario in which Ian Cunningham got a jam job before Ryan Poles a few years back. And Ryan Poles is his assistant general manager, and it's Ian propping him up. Those two are so close. I love the fact that they had that brotherhood and that connection where they were able to fight for each other. But Ryan Pulls pivoted and said, like, look, what we're talking to the league about this, this is not settled. He was asked directly, is this something where you think you're understanding you're not getting that big?

He said no. So it's still on the table. Look toward March 11th, the start of the league new year. That is about when the NFL. releases its full draft order, including those compensatory picks. This is not a done deal by any means, according to the Bears and according to Ryan Poles. So Ryan Poles said, like, they believe it's fair that they get those picks. This is not why he supported Ian Cunningham.

He made that perfectly clear. This is one of his best friends in the league. This is somebody who's back he was going to have all the way. This is not about the picks, but they believe that they are deserving those based on the letter of the law. And Ian Cunningham was asked about that, too. And he said, look, my understanding is. me being higher leads to third round picks.

I believe the bear should get third round picks. Both Ian Cunningham and Ryan Poole's making their case for the bears to get these draft picks. We'll see if anything changes here. They've got until April. A couple things here. A couple of the speed round for you. First of all, just a quick correction. It's a pillow, just so you know, Emma.

Just want to make sure that that is out there. And then number two, what's cooking tonight, man? What else do you have left out of the combine today? And where will you be hanging out tonight? Let the world know, Chris. I got to support our friend Courtney Cronin. She has the women of the NFL Combine cocktail party each year, which everybody's invited to. I will be there as well.

She does such a great job. She brings college students in to meet with people, really a great networking event. It's a really cool production. Mark, you've been there the last couple of years, I believe, as well. So shout out to Courtney, who's doing good things for good people out there trying to get built people up in this industry. and I think I have a St. Elmo's reservation, as a matter of fact, too. This will be the first of... Oh, you're fancy.

Tonight is Prime 47 and then tomorrow is St. Elmo. By the way, at that... Oh, excuse me. Hey, what? That's a double steakhouse. Come on now. Yeah, man. I mean, you know, that's pretty amazing right there. Really quick, though, on the serious side of that event, that the women in media at the Combine event that's going on,

normally there are cameos typically at that event from none other. than George McCasky and Kevin Warren. Wonder if they'll stop in tonight, Chris? You know, I feel like I can put our guy on blast for this because it's John Greenberg and he loves to put other people on blast. He was the one to ask Ryan Poles kind of jokingly if he's paying attention to the stadium thing. And Ryan Poles, who's fresh off a vacation in Mexico,

said, I was at the pool down in Mexico and somebody came out to me and said, where's this stadium going to be built? And he's like, look, man, I got enough issues with this roster. So shout out to John Greenberg who asked the question. That was the only stadium question so far. I'm sitting here at the convention center looking at the top of the Indiana State House right now. There's a lot of business.

I've not seen Kevin Warren or George McCasky yet, but I'm positive. They are in town. I'm curious to see what kind of business this is going to be here. So, yeah, it just happens to be this combine is two blocks away from the Indiana State House. What a coincidence. Relevant place this time of year. Wait a second. Ryan Poles was approached.

in Mexico at the pool about the Bears stadium. We have reached peak issue with this. This may shock you. He had no interest in discussing it either. So, yeah, it is a relevant topic here. The Bears are trying to set their foundation for the football future and obviously

for their stadium future. It's all right here in Indianapolis. Poor Ryan Poles. Okay, Chris Emma, thank you so much for joining us. Take care. Thanks, Chris. That's Chris with the latest from the NFL Combine. We'll join the afternoon show of Spiegel and Holmes. Can you imagine you're just lounging by a pool?

You think your work is relatively quiet for a couple days? Hey, you put your arms up. Hey, man. Where are the Bears built in this stadium? He's a Mexico and a luxury resort. He's got a bob coming up to. I think Ryan Paul's got a crash course in how famous he is. That's the type of job you have now, dude.

No anonymity for you. I just see I'm like holding up like a... coconut or you know they put the little like the straw on the coconut music's playing and then all of a sudden are they going to indiana if they're going to indiana no it would have been a better story if the dude had like a cheese grater hat on or something oh man yeah then now you now you can't leave what do you bet the next day at the pool like cheese grater hat comes out and like he should add an article of bears apparel every time he sees ryan pole It seems like a great like PSA commercial, whatever. If you know the person who is in Mexico at the resort with Ryan Poles holler at us.

No, I'm kidding. I think we've got to get to a little bit more. Chris Emma alluded to it, but just the rest of what we heard from Ryan Poles that we can bring to you. And some of Ben Johnson's side session with reporters as well at the combine next.