Signing DeMarcus Walker last year felt like a strong move for the Chicago Bears. The veteran defensive lineman brought power, toughness, and versatility to their evolving defensive front. He was a great run defender on the edge and could rush the passer from multiple spots. However, things didn’t go as planned. After posting seven sacks for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, he only managed 3.5 last season. Some wondered if he could be the disruptor the Bears needed or if he’d already peaked.
For his part, Walker shared some new details about his situation last season. It turns out he was nursing injuries from training camp through the first 11 weeks of the season. He admits he wasn’t prepared for the intense practices run by head coach Matt Eberflus, and that led to health problems that he took a long time to get over.
Thankfully, Walker seemed to regain some of his old form down the stretch. In the first 10 weeks, he managed only 24 pressures and 1.5 sacks. Over the seven games, he ramped things up with 23 pressures and two sacks. It appears a turn of good health brought him closer to the force he was in Tennessee.
His arrival already stiffened their run defense, which was second-best in the entire NFL. If he can provide more pass rush, it would ease the burden on Montez Sweat and Gervon Dexter. Perhaps this is why the Bears aren’t eager to sign one of the veteran free agents still available. They believe Walker’s good health and the added depth from guys like Austin Booker should help the pass rush excel. More than anything, his vocal presence is already a big help. Walker is a world-class trash talker. His intensity bleeds into everybody else.
One of the main reasons the Bears signed him is that they wanted him to bring that energy to Chicago. The production was merely a bonus. Every team needs at least one DeMarcus Walker, a guy unafraid of pushing others around him. If he could have that effect at 75% good health, one can only imagine what he would be like at full strength. Guys are about to find out in training camp.
