It's common knowledge at this point that the Chicago Bears are likely in the market for more help at edge rusher. Their top four options are DeMarcus Walker, Rasheem Greene, Trevis Gipson, and Dominique Robinson. None of them have ever posted eight sacks or more in a season. That isn't ideal in today's NFL with so many good-to-great quarterbacks. GM Ryan Poles may not be able to find a star at this stage of the off-season, but he should add somebody that can provide depth and experience.
Rumors persist that the Bears have ramped up their search for somebody to add by the start of training camp. Nothing has materialized thus far, but the general feeling is it's only a matter of time. When looking at the landscape, there are five names that stand at least a reasonable chance of becoming their primary target. Here they are in order of likelihood.
The Chicago Bears may have to relax their age restrictions.
#5 - Carlos Dunlap
The two-time Pro Bowler helped the Kansas City Chiefs win another Super Bowl last season. That said, his four sacks were the lowest of his career. It's hard to say if he has one more decent year in him at 34 years old. Dunlap fits what Matt Eberflus likes in his defensive linemen. He's big, long, powerful, and athletic. While not the player he was a few years ago, he is still more proven than most of the other options the Bears have.
#4 - Melvin Ingram
The 2020 and 2021 seasons were frustrating for the three-time Pro Bowler. His sack production fell off a cliff and bounced between three teams. Last season was a redemption arc for him, notching six sacks with the Miami Dolphins. While undersized for a traditional defensive end, he has plenty of experience playing that position from his days with the Chargers. Ingram can be an effective presence on passing downs if the Bears manage his snaps wisely.
#3 - Jadeveon Clowney
Another player that fits the Chicago Bears profile from a physical standpoint. Clowney is big, long, athletic, and a rock-solid run defender. He'd be #1 on this list if not for a persistent issue. He doesn't stay healthy. Clowney has never played a full season in his career and battled injuries again last season. You never know which player you're getting from one season to the next. He is still only 30, but that means little. He can best be described as a true high-risk-high-reward proposition.
#2 - Yannick Ngakoue
Probably the most desirable option on the board, if only because he's the youngest. Ngakoue is 28, so he remains in his prime. He has been good for at least eight sacks per season most of his career and has some experience playing in a system similar to the Bears'. One would think this is a slam dunk. There are two problems, though. Ngakoue reportedly prefers to sign with a contender while also inking a multiyear contract. On top of that, he is widely known for being a below-average run defender. Chicago is not a contender at this stage, and Eberflus is known for valuing run defense capability in his ends. Maybe he can work around it, but Chicago feels like a long shot unless they make a strong financial push to sign Ngakoue.
#1 - Justin Houston
Him being the top guy stems from a few angles. For one, Houston has already worked with Eberflus before. The star pass rusher had two of his best seasons in 2019 and 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts. Last year also proved he still has plenty of gas in the tank, racking up 9.5 sacks for the Baltimore Ravens. One must also not forget Poles had a hand in drafting him way back in 2011 with Kansas City. It's unclear if Houston is holding out to join a contender, but there is no question he would be an instant starter in Chicago and get favorable financial incentives in any short-term deal he signs. If the Bears want a bridge option that should be able to give them one good year, this is the guy.
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