Pressure On Chicago Bears To Add Edge Rusher Just Went Up

The Chicago Bears bolstered almost every position on their roster this off-season. GM Ryan Poles deserves credit for that. However, edge rusher got the short end of the stick in the eyes of many. They did add DeMarcus Walker in free agency, but many don't view the veteran as a high-end addition. His seven sacks in 2023 were a career-high, and many of them came when he rushed from the interior positions. The Bears haven't added anybody that is a clear upgrade over Trevis Gipson or Dominique Robinson.

That is a problem with the team having only 20 sacks last year. Poles has insisted the team remains active in finding more help for the position. Thus far, no moves have been made. Now the pressure (no pun intended) is mounting. Markus Golden, one of the best remaining rushers available, signed with Pittsburgh two weeks ago. Now another name is off the board. Former Bears 1st round pick Leonard Floyd is signing with the Buffalo Bills. While his return was never likely, it's clear the edge rusher market has begun moving again.

The Bears don't have much time left.

The Chicago Bears have maybe four viable options left.

Three free agents that is. Former Kansas City Chiefs playoff hero Frank Clark is still available. He has ties to Poles, so the connection is obvious. There is also former Pro Bowler Jadeveon Clowney. He is still dangerous when healthy, but his track record of availability has always been an issue. Yannick Ngakoue has been a dependable sack artist for years but appears focused on joining a contender and is also a liability against the run. That leaves Justin Houston. Matt Eberflus had two good years with him in Indianapolis, but he is 34 years old.

After that, you're looking at names like Robert Quinn, Melvin Ingram, Mario Addison, and Carlos Dunlap. All of them have seen their production drop as they enter their mid-30s. The Chicago Bears don't like adding older players. It's not how they operate. Yet they may not have a choice unless they can find a viable trade target that fits their parameters. Those tend to be more expensive. If a move is to be made, it must be soon.