Austin Booker Quietly Has Coaches Excited About Coming Season

The Chicago Bears pass rush has been a topic of constant debate among fans and media. Montez Sweat is a good player. That is established. The same is true of Grady Jarrett. However, the problems start popping up when you discuss depth. Dayo Odeyingbo was a solid player in Indianapolis, but nobody would call him a sack artist. They need somebody else who can put heat on the quarterback. That is why all eyes turn to Austin Booker. The former 5th round pick came in with plenty of potential last year. It is hoped he might be able to solve their problem.

His rookie season didn't provide many answers. He finished with 1.5 sacks and four quarterback hits across 17 games. The playing time seemed to fade in the second half of the season, leaving some to wonder if coaches felt Booker wasn't progressing. Maybe so. One thing is true, though. Things have changed since Dennis Allen arrived to take over the defense. According to Patrick Norton of CHGO, Booker feels rejuvenated in the new scheme and is quietly producing a quality training camp.

The Bears have plans for him.

Sewell’s reinvigorated play hasn’t stalled since putting the pads on. The same is true for defensive end Austin Booker. If you’re looking for young players who are playing well but lack the headlines, look no further than them. They’re two draft picks from the Matt Eberflus regime who might have a better chance of contributing under new coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen...

...Booker still faces an uphill battle for playing time as a rotational piece for Allen’s defense. He’s behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. Dominique Robinson, another draft-pick holdover from the Eberflus regime, has also seemingly won over their new coaches.

Allen, though, is inventive. He moves his defensive lineman around more, which could open the door for more snaps for Booker, the Bears’ lightest pass rusher at 245 pounds.

“I worked hard — and they see that,” Booker said. “They see my potential as well. I’m just excited that they gave me this opportunity, and I’ve shown nothing but hard work.”

Austin Booker may determine the Bears' future plans.

Right now, most would agree that a pass rusher is at the top of the team's 2026 offseason wishlist. Sweat is approaching 30, and Jarrett is already 32. Chicago doesn't have a young rusher they can build around long-term. Much depends on what Austin Booker shows this year. If he experiences a breakthrough, it might give the team some flexibility in their ongoing process of building a winner. It would also be a feather in the cap of Allen and his staff, proving they could succeed where Eberflus failed. If nothing else, Booker should get far more favorable matchups this season due to Allen's creativity with formations and alignments. It is just nice to hear the young pass rusher is getting a fair and honest opportunity.