Getting the offseason right is always a thrill. Sure, the ultimate goal is a Super Bowl victory, but realistically, only one team clinches that honor each season, often with a top-tier quarterback leading the charge.
For the rest of us die-hard fans, finding joy in the offseason splashes—like big trades or free agent signings—is a surefire way to stoke excitement for the upcoming season.
Question of the Day: What trade or free agent signing got you most fired up in Chicago Bears history? There’s no shortage of contenders here. You could even include those thrilling moments when the team traded up to secure a promising player, such as Ryan Pace’s bold move to draft Justin Fields in 2021—a decision that electrified the fan base.
Over the years, the Bears have pulled off some major moves that have left fans buzzing. The signing of Julius Peppers certainly stirred excitement. The acquisition of Jay Cutler gave hope that Chicago might finally have found its long-awaited franchise quarterback. And who could forget Ryan Poles’ trade for DJ Moore? But for many, there’s one standout move that eclipses them all.
My pick: It’s a no-brainer— the Khalil Mack trade. I’m sure it’s high on many fans’ lists, and here’s why it’s number one for me.
The news broke on a Saturday morning, just eight days before the Bears were set to kick off against the Green Bay Packers. I was lucky enough to catch wind of it the night before. While I couldn’t be certain it was happening, I knew the Bears had made a serious offer and were in talks with Mack’s representatives about a contract extension.
The fact that extension talks were even on the table indicated that the Raiders were seriously considering the Bears’ offer. Following an offseason that already saw the exciting signing of Allen Robinson, there was a palpable buzz in the air.
I stayed up late into the night, exchanging texts and calls with friends, all buzzing with anticipation over the prospect of Mack joining Chicago. I was so caught up in the excitement that I actually overslept the next morning and missed the official announcement from the NFL insiders!
But that Friday night was unforgettable. The anticipation and energy were infectious among my friends and fellow fans. When the news finally broke on Saturday, the anticipation exploded into sheer elation. We all understood what Mack could bring to our defense, and true to form, his impact in 2018 surpassed everyone’s expectations. He elevated the Bears to having the best defense in the league and solidified them as one of the top defensive units of the 21st century.
There have been other moments where trades or signings have thrilled me, but nothing compares to the anticipation and ultimate thrill of the Khalil Mack trade.
What do you think, Bears fans? Do you agree with my take? Was the Khalil Mack trade the move that excited you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us about your favorite Bears trade or free agent signing!