The Chicago Bears are less than a week from reporting for training camp on July 19th. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus appear comfortable with the current roster construction, at least for the time being. Both the offense and defense have talent at multiple positions. On paper, this is a much better football team than the one who exited the 2023 season at 7-10. That said, there is no such thing as a finished job in this league. There is always room for improvement. Many still think the Bears could use one or two more tweaks to certain problematic areas.
By far, the most discussed over the past two months has been edge rusher. While the Bears would’ve liked to find another proven pass rush presence opposite Montez Sweat, things just never seemed to fall that way. There were always better players available at other positions. Poles did add 5th round pick Austin Booker to the mix. He has some exciting upside, but right now, their only starting option is DeMarcus Walker, and he’s known more for his run defense. That is why former scouting director Greg Gabriel thinks another signing is right around the corner. He even has the likeliest name in mind: Emmanuel Ogbah.
“Ogbah has had some big years, but not recently. He missed most of 2022 with an injury and then came back last year to record 5.0 sacks in 15 games for the Dolphins. The Dolphins released him as he wasn’t a good fit for their scheme. Ogbah has a connection to Ryan Poles, as he played for the Chiefs in 2019. Ogbah is 30 and will turn 31 during the season, so it’s a question mark whether Poles will be interested, but he does fit the Bears scheme from a size and athleticism point of view.
If the Bears do sign a veteran edge, they could wait until after a week or so of practice to see how Booker and Martin are playing. That could be risky, though, as other clubs may also have a need. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those two could be signed by the time the veterans report on the 19th.”
He’s 6’4 and over 260 lbs. That is considered the prototypical size for a 4-3 defensive end. His athleticism and close speed don’t hurt, either. Before an injury in 2022, Ogbah had back-to-back seasons with nine sacks. When healthy, he is a credible pass rush threat. Getting 5.5 sacks a year after a season-ending tricep injury and in an unfamiliar system should be lauded. It was proof he could still go. The big sticking point is money and age. Poles doesn’t usually sign older (30+) players. There are also rumors that Ogbah is searching for a multi-year contract. That seems unlikely for the Bears.
If they were to sign him, it would be similar to Yannick Ngakoue’s one-year deal last season. There is no denying Ogbah is one of the best remaining edge rushers on the market. If his price tag isn’t too steep, adding him makes a ton of sense for the Chicago Bears. He’d give them a viable starter across from Sweat, allowing Walker and Booker to act more as rotational guys.
