Bears GM Ryan Poles shares thoughts on Matthew Judon trade process, outcome on 'Hard Knocks'

The Chicago Bears were one of two teams to be in the running in attempting to trade for New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon and the latest "Hard Knocks" episode revealed an inside look at general manager Ryan Poles' thoughts on the process and outcome.

Judon ended up going to the Atlanta Falcons, with the Patriots receiving a 2025 third-round pick in return.

The Bears attempted to send the same offer to Atlanta but some language in the trade offer turned Chicago away from pulling the trigger.

Related: Report: Bears among teams who showed interest in Matthew Judon

Poles was hesitant to sign Judon without a contract extension in place.

"Our language is basically saying if the contract is not signed then he reverts back to New England," Poles told his special advisor, Ted Crews.

Poles wanted to ensure that the move for one of the better defensive players in the game would be more than just a one-year rental.

"I don't want to get the club in a position where we have a player that's here, we've given up a draft pick, and we haven't had a resolution on a contract," Poles explained.

It appears Chicago wanted to approach Judon the same way they did with Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, as the Bears gave the Washington Commanders a second-round pick and then followed it up with an extension that keeps Sweat on the Bears through 2027.

However, in the latest episode, Bears director of football administration Matt Feinstein pointed out a positive in ultimately not going all in on a rental deal.

Related: Joe Milton III, Jaylen Wright, Austin Booker Among Week 1's Preseason Secret Superstars

"It's Judon for a [third-rounder] and some significant financial needs. We traded a [fourth] for four years of Austin Booker," Feinstein said.

Chicago moved back into the NFL Draft this season to get Booker for a future fourth-rounder, acquiring the former Minnesota Gopher and Kansas Jayhawk in the fifth round. Booker has shown he can produce so far in the preseason, and potentially could even be the impact player the Bears need to even out the defensive line opposite of Sweat.