NFL Execs Reportedly Predict Chicago Bears Pursue Top Pass Rusher

The Chicago Bears have plenty of work to do this off-season if they're going to position themselves for a possible playoff run in 2024. That means utilizing their considerable resources to upgrade several roster spots. Everybody knows GM Ryan Poles has two 1st round picks at his disposal this year. It is a huge opportunity to land two potential blue-chip talents to build around. However, people seem to forget that the Bears also have over $60 million in salary cap space and can easily free up another $20 million.

In other words, the Bears are equipped to take a big swing in free agency if they wish. The obvious question is who they'd target if that happens. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reached out to several NFL executives and other personnel people about what is to come. One of their most surprising revelations is who they think the Bears will go after when free agency opens. No, it's not a wide receiver or a center. It will be a pass rusher and not the one most would think of.

"Chase Young will reunite with Montez Sweat in Chicago

Washington traded its star defensive line bookends at the 2023 trade deadline, with Sweat then thriving as the Chicago Bears' lead rusher and Young now competing for a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.

Chicago, in its efforts to bolster its pass rush, evaluated both Young and Sweat in the months leading up to the deadline. Sweat landed a four-year, $98 million extension with the Bears, who could spend more money in free agency to sign a pass-rusher such as Young."

The Chicago Bears targeting Young does make some sense.

This is for a few reasons. First and most obvious is he's a highly gifted player. After missing over a year of action between 2021 and 2022 from a bad knee injury, the former #2 overall pick seemed to rediscover his old form with 7.5 sacks and 15 QB hits this past season. San Francisco traded for him at the deadline in October and he was a big part in helping the defense regain its dominant form. However, they likely won't have the money to retain him long-term. Conversely, the Bears may view him as a cheaper alternative to other top pass rushers on the market.

Why? Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus believes it will come down to lingering concerns about Young's long-term knee health and supposed criticisms of him being too one-dimensional as a player. Projections have him commanding a one-year deal at around $15 million. Remember, Yannick Ngakoue cost $10 million for this season. Considering others on the market will command between $25-30 million, it's a pretty cheap deal. That sounds like a move Poles would make. An affordable contract for a player who is still young and ascending.