Chicago Bears End Leonard Floyd Era By Swiping New Pass Rusher

The Chicago Bears played out the Leonard Floyd story for a little bit too long. It became clear after three seasons that he probably was never going to be the pass rusher they'd hoped for. Stretching it out through 2019 only confirmed that. They couldn't afford to spend another year wasting Khalil Mack's prime on a guy who couldn't get to the quarterback. So GM Ryan Pace decided to do something about it.

As everybody was focused on the quarterback market, the Bears secured a five-year deal for edge rusher Robert Quinn, fresh off his stint with the Dallas Cowboys in which he had 11.5 sacks last season. This is the kind of proven pass rusher the Bears absolutely should be putting across from Mack. Suddenly a great defense gets even better.

Chicago Bears made the right call on this move

There is no question that Quinn is an upgrade over Floyd. Is he older? Sure. However, pass rushers can last a long time in the NFL. Even into their mid-30s. Quinn showed last season he still has plenty of gas in the tank. If the Bears are getting that player across from Mack with Akiem Hicks in the middle? This defensive front is going to terrorize quarterback for the next couple of seasons.

That may not sit well with a lot of people who are desperate for the Bears to find a quarterback. However, until such a time comes that they're able to secure such a guy, they need to stick with what they do best. Chicago has always seen its greatest football successes built around dominant defense. This move ensures that will remain true into 2020 and probably beyond.