GM Ryan Poles did almost everything he could’ve done to prepare this roster for a playoff push in 2024. He added offensive firepower with Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and Gerald Everett. He found depth and competition along the offensive line with Ryan Bates, Coleman Shelton, and Kiran Amegdjie. Caleb Williams arrived to stabilize the quarterback position as the #1 overall pick. On defense, Kevin Byard brings versatility and veteran experience at safety. If there was one thing the Chicago Bears failed to do, it was to find a second edge rusher to pair with Montez Sweat.
The only notable addition they made was 5th round pick Austin Booker. He started one season in college, so nobody can consider him anywhere close to ready for the starting job. That leaves veteran DeMarcus Walker as the best option on the roster, and most aren’t happy with that. Walker’s best pass rush ability has come from the inside. He is more of a run defender when on the edge. This is why many still believe the Bears will add one more body to the mix at some point.
Former Bears coach Dave Wannstedt has been in this situation before. He has a pretty good idea of when the move will come and explained on Football Night In Chicago.
Every player of note left on the market is an older veteran. They’ve seen just about everything there is to see. They understand how to mentally and physically prepare for an NFL season. Rushing the passer doesn’t change too much from scheme to scheme. You get them in position and tell them to go get the quarterback. As things stand, there are four names available that may garner interest. It starts with Yannick Ngakoue. While he didn’t have the year he hoped for with Chicago last season, he’s still on the younger side and showed signs of coming around before he broke his ankle. Emmanuel Ogbah had two great years in 2020 and 2021 before an injury in 2022 slowed his progress.
Carl Lawson doesn’t have the preferred size the Chicago Bears like, but he’s almost always good for 5-7 sacks every year. Then there is Justin Houston. He had 19 sacks across two years under Matt Eberflus in Indianapolis. He posted 9.5 sacks in 2022. Injuries slowed him last season. He’s also 35 years old. The Bears would have to determine if he’s healthy and has any gas left in the tank. It isn’t the greatest list of options. That said, adding one of them would still make the defensive front better, even if only somewhat.
