Chicago Bears Reportedly A Contender For Top Pass Rusher

If there is one roster spot that has most Chicago Bears fans nervous going into the 2023 season, it's defensive end. Their pass rush was the NFL's worst last year, with only 20 sacks. Their only notable addition since then was veteran DeMarcus Walker, and nobody would consider him a proper solution to the problem. GM Ryan Poles admitted he wasn't able to fix everything he wanted to. Edge rusher was something that just never lined up. However, he stated the team was still on the lookout for opportunities and that something could happen soon.

That includes the trade market. While most people have been focused on the weird saga going on in Washington with Chase Young, there is another big name picking up steam. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed the Minnesota Vikings are fielding trade calls on star pass rusher Danielle Hunter. He wants a new contract, but the team isn't inclined to give him one as they try to work through a semi-rebuild. Interest in him is high.

Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus believes multiple teams are well-positioned to make a deal. The Bears are near the top of that list.

The Chicago Bears can easily pay the price tag.

They have four picks in the first three rounds next year alone and two 2nds in 2025. If two 3rd rounders are what Minnesota likely gets, that is an easy decision for Poles. Hunter is exactly what this defense is missing. He's averaged more than 10 sacks in four of his past five seasons. His size, length, and athleticism are a perfect fit for Matt Eberflus' defense. Some people will say the Vikings would never make a deal with a division rival. Clearly, they haven't been paying attention for the past two years.

Minnesota made trades with the Lions and Packers three times last year. One was allowing Detroit to move up for wide receiver Jameson Williams. Another was acquiring star tight end T.J. Hockenson. They also allowed Green Bay to move up in the 2nd round for Christian Watson. It's obvious their GM has no qualms about making deals inside the NFC North. If the Chicago Bears make a strong enough pitch, there is no reason to think they can't land Hunter.

The final hurdle is the salary. Spielberger believes it would take a three-year extension at around $22.5 million per year to make the Pro Bowler happy. Chicago has more than enough salary cap space to make that happen. It comes down to whether Poles can stomach giving it to a guy who turns 29 in October.