Chicago Bears Reportedly Hunting Newly-Available Edge Rusher

The Chicago Bears aren't where they want to be as a team right now, sitting at 3-8 with one of the worst records in the NFL. However, that can't stop them from doing everything in their power to improve the roster. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus know they have to win some of these games down the stretch to ensure another season. That means they cannot hesitate to add players they feel might give them even a slightly better chance to win. It seems one name has their attention.

The Philadelphia Eagles waived former 1st round pick Derek Barnett last week. Their roster is loaded with pass rushers, and he wasn't getting much playing time. It seems the two sides finally decided to part ways. Adam Schefter of ESPN appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to talk about his situation. He believes somebody will claim Barnett off waivers by Monday afternoon. To him, two teams are the heavy favorites. One is the Miami Dolphins, having just lost pass rusher Jaelen Phillips to a season-ending injury.

Chicago is the other, having explored a possible trade for Barnett a few weeks ago before pulling the trigger on Montez Sweat.

The Chicago Bears may not get the old Barnett.

There is a reason the defensive end was released. He wasn't playing well. The truth is he hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL early in 2022. After that, others began stepping up on the roster. By the time he returned, there were no snaps to spare for Barnett. He only rushed the QB 55 times this season. It is hard to know whether he can recapture any of the magic from his first five years in the league when he was a consistent nuisance for quarterbacks. He's still only 27 years old. Perhaps a fresh start might help get his confidence back.

There isn't much depth on the Chicago Bears' front behind Sweat and Yannick Ngakoue. Dominique Robinson and Rasheem Green have both underwhelmed in their rotational roles. If Barnett gets claimed, he should see snaps almost immediately. Assistant GM Ian Cunningham knows the defensive end well. He was in Philadelphia when they drafted the young man in 2017. If Barnett is willing to work and play hard, there is no reason to think he can't rebound, provided the knee is healthy.