The Chicago Bears managed to upgrade most areas of their defensive roster this off-season. GM Ryan Poles deserves credit for that. He fortified the linebacker spot, improved the depth at defensive tackle, and found two exciting young cornerbacks to join Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Still, people can’t overlook his “failure” to find more help at pass rusher. DeMarcus Walker was the only notable addition for the Bears. While he should help, nobody would confuse him for being the high-end disruptor they need.
The truth is the Bears aren’t going to find their next Khalil Mack or Julius Peppers this year. That opportunity has passed. Poles must think more creatively. Can he find a solution that can help the team without forcing them to fork over a massive bounty of draft picks? The answer might be yes if he is willing to take a calculated risk. Poles has proved to be a GM that likes size and length in his players. One name floating out there that deserves some attention is D.J. Wonnum.
He’s been a consistent pass rush presence over the past three years for the Minnesota Vikings. Yet the team hasn’t offered any indications they plan to keep him around long-term. They signed Marcus Davenport in free agency to pair with Danielle Hunter. Wonnum is once again left serving in a backup role. Minnesota faces a tough decision. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract. Do they let him play out the deal and enter free agency next off-season, or do they try to get something for him now?
This is where Ryan Poles comes in. He has plenty of draft ammo next year to make a trade if he wants. Wonnum is 26 years old and fits the physical profile the Bears covet. He would be able to compete for the starting job immediately, having collected 12 sacks and 25 QB hits over the past two years. Minnesota has already shown it is willing to trade within the division, as their two deals with Detroit proved. If Wonnum isn’t untouchable, this is the sort of move Poles should consider.
