Could the Bears Land This Future Hall of Fame Pass Rusher?
The Bears could bolster their pass rush with a veteran acquisition, potentially reuniting a star defender with his former coordinator and saving money.
The Chicago Bears may be able to fix their need for a starting-caliber edge rusher without breaking the bank. Montez Sweat had a career year last season, leading the team with 10 sacks, and also accounting for 53 total tackles, 15 TFLs and three forced fumbles. Sweat became the first Bears player since 2021 to finish with 10 sacks or more in a single season since Robert Quinn (18.
5). Outside of Sweat, the team's depth at edge rusher really took a hit after Dayo Odeyingbo, the free-agent signing from the Indianapolis Colts, suffered a season-ending Achilles injury versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Gervon Dexter had six sacks, while Austin Booker had 4.
5. The team as a whole had 35 total sacks, ranking 22nd in the NFL. With Crosby staying in with the Las Vegas Raiders for now and Trey Hendrickson signing with the Baltimore Ravens, there aren't too many great options at edge rusher for the Bears to pick from.
The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs predicted the Bears would select a defensive lineman with their first-round draft pick, but a free agent is available who could save the franchise some money. CBS Sports' Shanna McCariston and Carter Bahns named the Bears as one of the potential landing spots for former New Orleans Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan. They also believed a return to the Saints was possible.