Chicago Bears Rumored To Be Getting More Active On Pass Rush Market

The Chicago Bears haven't made any significant roster moves for weeks. This has confused some in the mainstream media since the team still has one or two positions that could use some added attention. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus both said the team remains active in pursuit of potential options. Nothing has materialized to this point. However, there are rumblings that this could change soon. NFL Notifications, the same Twitter handle that correctly predicted the Bears would make a minor trade down from 9th overall in the draft, revealed the team is amping up its efforts to add another edge rusher.

The timing of this isn't a huge surprise. Most veteran players prefer to wait until close to the start of training camp before deciding on a new team to join. This way they can workout in the summer on their own terms without having coaches constantly hounding them. It also helps teams to avoid handing out extra money in workout bonuses. This strategy isn't foreign to Poles. Last year he signed veterans Michael Schofield and Riley Reiff on July 25th and 26th, respectively.

The Chicago Bears' target will come down to a few factors.

One is the price tag. Poles isn't likely to hand over a large contract to anybody at this stage of free agency. We're talking about a one-year deal that falls somewhere between $3-6 million. Another is fit. The Bears will want a player that not only offers credibility but also meshes well with their locker room and their defensive scheme. Some will say age is a big factor as well, but Reiff was 33 when they added him. It might not be a big deal if the money isn't too bad. The hard part is convincing anybody of note to join this team.

Most veteran players are hoping to sign with teams they think can be a playoff contender. The Chicago Bears aren't at that stage yet. They're in the middle of a rebuild. Some guys have no interest in being part of that, not without significant financial incentives. Still, it stands to reason they can lure somebody in. The biggest names available include Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Houston, Carlos Dunlap, and Jason Pierre-Paul. Ngakoue is the youngest of the group but probably the most expensive. Clowney is 30 and still talented. Injuries have haunted him for some time now. Houston, Dunlap, and Pierre-Paul are all in their mid-30s and had down seasons last year.

Chicago would be gambling regardless of who they add.