The Chicago Bears have had a start to free agency that many people didn't expect. Most envisioned them targeting the top right tackles or interior pass rushers on the market. Instead, GM Ryan Poles spent most of the first day locking up two high-quality linebackers and an athletic guard. Not until late evening did they finally secure defensive line help in the form of DeMarcus Walker. The former 2nd round pick had a decent run in Denver but really came into his own last season with the Tennessee Titans, where he had seven sacks.
There were several reasons he chose to join the Bears. They offered a solid three-year contract worth $21 million. Head coach Matt Eberflus runs a defensive system that would know how to utilize his talents both as a run defender and interior pass rusher. However, one big reason he wanted to come to Chicago was Justin Fields. He is a big admirer of the Bears' young quarterback. How do we know? Walker made that abundantly clear when asked if Fields was a driving force behind him coming here.
“Excuse my French. Abso-fucking-lutely.”
DeMarcus Walker isn't the only one to say this.
Other free agents admitted they were excited about the prospect of playing with Fields. This is a clear indication the young quarterback made a profound impression during his 2022 season. That might be hard to believe for many of his critics, but what he accomplished in less-than-ideal circumstances turned a lot of heads inside the league. Players can sense when a quarterback has that certain something. He is a playmaker. He changes games because of the sheer number of things he can do.
One person that understands this better than most is DeMarcus Walker. To fully understand his motivation, one merely has to look at the list of quarterbacks he's played with since entering the league.
- Trevor Siemian
- Brock Osweiler
- Case Keenum
- Joe Flacco
- Drew Lock
- Davis Mills
- Ryan Tannehill
Not the most illustrious group of names. Fields is by far the most talented Walker has ever played with. He is only scratching the surface of what he can do. Now the Bears are starting to build around him. If they can fortify his protection, 2023 could be his breakthrough season. Walker wanted to be part of the ride.
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