Rare Situation Could See Rich Pass Rush Market for Chicago Bears

Khalil Mack is the driving force of the Chicago Bears pass rush at this point. Not a bad thing. However, there is a popular saying in the NFL. There's no such thing as too many pass rushers. Well that and the fact it takes at least two really good pass rushers to boast a great defense. Leonard Floyd finished strong last season but nobody would call him "really good" at this point. Combine that with the pending exit of Aaron Lynch and the team has some serious question marks at their outside linebacker position. Odds are they wouldn't spend a ton of money at that position again. Not unless something crazy happens. Based on the latest rumblings around the league though, crazy may be about to land. It was already pointed out in an earlier article that the Kansas City Chiefs may be forced to part way with Justin Houston. Now there is a growing undercurrent that two former 1st round draft picks may find their way to the open market within the next month. Both of whom display skill sets that would fit the Bears defense well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57xbnPzqjNE

Bud Dupree or Vic Beasley? Either may look good on Chicago Bears

Vic Beasley and Bud Dupree were both selected in the 1st round of the draft by the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively. Each has had their strong stretches over the years but to this point they haven't quite lived up to their potential. This might explain the prevailing belief they may end up looking for new jobs. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is convinced the Steelers aren't going to pay Dupree his 5th-year option money, instead trying to get the linebacker to restructure his current deal.

"Well, there's no way they are going to pay him $9+ million this year for what he does. I think they restructure and lower his cap hit/salary."

There's a possibility Dupree may not want to do that, forcing the Steelers to either pay his current money or let him walk. The same situation holds true for the Falcons and Beasley. Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com finds it hard to believe they would retain the 27-year old at the cap price he sits at now.

"Thomas Dimitroff's old boss in New England has a strong track record on balance of knowing when to give up on a personnel mistake. I know what Bill Belichick would do with Beasley's $12.8 million salary, but it's a lot harder to guess what the Falcons will do."

Pass rushers are always expensive in general, but there's a possibility one of these names could be had by the Bears for an affordable price. Even if it's on a short-term deal. Beasley had 15.5 sacks in 2016, so he's capable of producing at a high level. Dupree only had six sacks last year, but he had 46 pressures which were better than Chandler Jones.