The Chicago Bears addressed every position on their roster in some form this off-season. However, plenty of people aren’t happy with their somewhat lacking investment in edge rushers. While the team added Montez Sweat via trade last season and grabbed Austin Booker in the draft, there is still a feeling they don’t have a definitive starter opposite their Pro Bowl star. At least, that is what people outside Halas Hall think. Early indications from training camp practices suggest the Bears see it differently.
Observers noticed something interesting. DeMarcus Walker would move inside during pass rush situations to join Gervon Dexter. With Sweat on one side, it wasn’t Booker lining up with starters on the opposite edge. It was veteran Jacob Martin.
Are the Bears crazy for this thinking? Not entirely. Yes, Martin has been a journeyman for most of his career, serving primarily as a backup. However, there have been flashes of capability when given opportunities. The biggest sign came in 2021 with the Houston Texans, where he had 38 pressures and four sacks. His defensive coordinator that might sound familiar. It was Lovie Smith.
Smith runs almost the exact same scheme as Matt Eberflus. Defensive ends are tasked with attacking up the field and creating disruption. Martin proved he could do that. Also, remember that he played on a far less talented defense that 2021 season. This one has much more star power across the board, making his life far easier. The Bears almost certainly would’ve been more aggressive in searching for help if they didn’t think the veteran had untapped potential. Lovie certainly did, and he had a sharp eye for such players.
Much of this will be determined by Martin’s performance in training camp. If he shows a lot of the same capability he did three years ago, the Chicago Bears won’t see any need to sign an expensive free agent like Yannick Ngakoue. If Booker develops quickly, that becomes even truer. Much of this hinges on the efforts of defensive coordinator Eric Washington and defensive line coach Travis Smith. They have the best expertise for this. It is likely the Bears will lean on them to make the call.
