The Chicago Bears have officially separated for the summer. Training camp is five weeks away. Players are free to get some relaxation in before the real work begins. Some will take it. Others will use that time to keep grinding, hoping to find an edge ahead of a big season for a rebuilding franchise. Meanwhile, GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus will convene to discuss the roster. Namely what each saw during OTAs and minicamps, both in a positive and negative light. Then they will make decisions on what to do about it.
Probably the hottest topic of conversation among fans and the media is what they'll do about the pass rush situation. In the minds of many, the Bears still have a glaring problem on the edges. After posting only 20 sacks as a team last year, their only addition this off-season was DeMarcus Walker. While he should help, his track record doesn't suggest he is the solution they need. It's why some remain hopeful Poles has another move in mind. Former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt told Football Night In Chicago that he believes an addition will happen.
However, it might not be when people are expecting it.
The evaluation process is incomplete for the Chicago Bears.
That is what Wannstedt is saying. OTAs and minicamps are not good times to evaluate pass rushers. Players aren't allowed to get physical with each other due to a lack of pads. Poles and Eberflus may want to wait until late July and early August when training camp begins. That will give their edge group a chance to show their progress. Maybe Trevis Gipson shows he is poised for a rebound. Maybe Dominique Robinson shows lots of growth from his rookie year. Perhaps Terrell Lewis keeps showing flashes.
If, towards the end of August, the coaching staff feels what they have is inadequate, Poles will then decide to make a move. The thing about adding older veterans is they don't require full training camps to be effective. All a staff has to do is point in the direction of the quarterback and they have a wealth of experience to know what to do next. Quality options such as Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, and Justin Houston are still available. Maybe another will slip free during roster cuts.
The Chicago Bears have the flexibility to do almost anything they want. It appears they're willing to be patient for now.
