Bears Land Dennis Allen His Perfect Edge Rusher

After landing Drew Dalman at center, the Chicago Bears decided it was finally time to help out Dennis Allen on the defensive side. GM Ryan Poles demonstrated a clear understanding of what types of players the new defensive coordinator prefers by securing ascending pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts. He accepted a three-year deal worth $48 million. The 25-year-old only had three sacks last season but had eight in 2023. He had 42 pressures and 17 quarterback hits in 2024.

It is safe to say the defensive end is starting to play some really good football. Chicago targeting him shouldn't be a surprise. Allen has a track record of preferring bigger edge defenders with long arms and power. Odeyingbo possesses all of those traits. There is no question that a combo of him and Montez Sweat should be able to squeeze the pocket more often next season. It also doesn't preclude the Bears from targeting more pass rush speed in the draft, of which there is plenty.

Dennis Allen and the Bears got a bargain.

Projections from experts had Odeyingbo making somewhere between $17.5-18 million per year. Chicago managed to land him for around $16 million. Not only that, but they kept it to a three-year deal. That takes him right through to the end of Caleb Williams' rookie contract. In other words, it will free up cap space right when they need it for an extension. That is a smart maneuver by GM Ryan Poles. Now, it falls on Dennis Allen to deploy the young man to the best of his ability. If he continues the upward trajectory he showed in Indianapolis, this defense just got considerably better. The Bears might not be done. There are rumblings they may dabble in the defensive tackle and wide receiver markets too. Let the fun continue.