Let’s not overthink this, Chicago.
You’ve got a pissed-off fanbase, a new head coach with a shiny offensive mind, and a second year QB you just drafted to finally drag this franchise out of hell. But if you’re trotting out the same limp pass rush that let opposing QBs light up your defense like it was 7-on-7, then you’re wasting your window before it even opens.
Albert Breer just threw gas on the fire with reports suggesting the Bears could target to three veteran free agents: Za'Darius Smith, Matthew Judon, and Jamaal freakin’ Williams (Why??). One of those names doesn’t belong. If the Bears are serious about contending in 2025, they better take a long, hard look at the one move that could finally flip this defense from passive to punishing.
Let’s get into it.
Context: This Defense Was a Joke in 2024
You want numbers? Here’s a stat that should be tattooed on Halas Hall’s front doors:
The Bears only managed 40 sacks on defense, ranking them a dead-middle 16th in the NFL. That kind of imbalance is how you get dragged every Sunday.
They were 27th in total defense, and their pass rush win rate was an anemic 37%, per ESPN’s advanced metrics. That’s not even competitive. That’s "can't pressure a backup QB if you spotted him a blindfold" bad.
And now, with only $14.7 million in cap space left (Overthecap.com), they’ve got one shot at adding a real difference-maker. This isn’t the time to bargain shop or waste cash on nostalgia. It’s time to plug the damn leak.
Option 1: Za'Darius Smith (EDGE, 32) – Still a Problem for Offenses
Smith isn’t some has-been trying to milk a final paycheck. He’s still causing chaos.
2024 Stats, per PFF:
- 10 sacks
- 20 solo tackles
- 74.7 PFF grade (33rd among all edge rushers)
This guy rotated between Cleveland and Detroit last season and still out-produced every edge rusher on the Bears. That’s not hypothetical value. That’s production. Period.
And let’s not forget — Smith had 26 sacks in two seasons with Green Bay (2019-2020), proving he can shine as a primary or complementary rusher.
Add in his versatility (can line up in both 3-4 and 4-3), and a reunion with Ben Johnson — who he briefly overlapped with in Detroit — and you’ve got a seamless plug-and-play veteran who fits the scheme and the locker room.
Cost: 1 year, $7 million
Cap Impact: 47% of available cap space
That’s a lot, but for 9 sacks and leadership in a young room? Worth every penny.
Option 2: Matthew Judon (EDGE, 32) – Buyer Beware
Judon’s 2022 and 2021 seasons were absolute filth: 15.5 and 12.5 sacks respectively. But that guy didn’t show up last year.
2024 Stats, per PFF:
- 6 sacks
- 43.0 PFF grade (194th among edge defenders)
- Used in coverage on ~60% of snaps in Atlanta (WTF?)
That’s right — Judon was asked to play coverage like he was Fred Warner. And surprise: it didn’t work. The result? A guy who looked slow, frustrated, and miscast.
Could he bounce back? Sure. But betting $4.5 million on a 32-year-old edge whose best days might be behind him? That’s not how you fix the worst pass rush in the league.
Cost: 1 year, $4.5 million
Cap Impact: 30% of available cap space
Better value than Smith, but the drop-off in reliability is massive.
Option 3: Jamaal Williams (RB, 30) – A Nice Sentimental Thought
This one feels like a guy someone in the building likes. That’s the only explanation. Because football-wise? This ain’t it.
2024 Stats, per PFF:
- 164 rushing yards
- 48 carries (3.4 YPC)
- Zero juice, zero threat
Sure, he led the league in touchdowns two years ago. But last season? He looked cooked. And with D’Andre Swift already in the fold, plus Roschon Johnson coming back healthy, there’s no need to waste $2.5 million on a dude who’s barely an upgrade over your RB3.
Cost: 1 year, $3 million
Cap Impact: ~20% of available cap space
If the Bears are signing Jamaal, it better be because he’s the third move, not the first.
Why It Has to Be Za'Darius
So here’s the no-BS breakdown. Smith offers:
- Proven Production – Ten sacks last year. Nobody on the Bears matched that.
- Scheme Versatility – Can rush from any front.
- Leadership – Two Pro Bowls, big-game experience, vocal presence.
- Familiarity with Ben Johnson – That chemistry matters.
- Championship Mentality – He said he wants a ring. So do the Bears.
Yes, he’s the most expensive. And yes, he’s 32. But guess what? This roster isn’t 3 years away. The Bears think they’re ready to make noise now. You don’t wait on youth to develop when you’ve got the QB and the cap space to strike.
The Math Works
After signing Smith for around $7 million, you’re still looking at $7.4 million in leftover cap. That’s more than enough for injury depth, a midseason trade splash, or even a flyer on another vet. You’re not mortgage-strapped here.
Hell, you could even swing a Judon and Jamaal deal instead. But then you’re getting:
- A maybe-pass-rusher,
- A probably-washed RB,
- And still not solving your biggest problem: pressure off the edge.
Real Talk: Stop Overthinking This
The Bears don’t need to get cute. They need to get violent.
Za'Darius Smith is a proven quarterback hunter. He’s pissed off, hungry for a title, and still getting to the quarterback better than 80% of the league’s edges. Meanwhile, your defense is bleeding yards and giving opposing QBs time to file taxes in the pocket.
It’s Smith or bust.
Chicago fans don’t want another 7-10 “moral victory” season. They want sacks. They want swagger. They want a defense that punches back. And they won’t get it with Jamaal Williams running into the line for 2.4 yards on 3rd and 1.
Final Verdict
Sign Za'Darius Smith. Give him the keys to the pass rush, let Sweat eat on the other side, and finally give this young team a damn veteran who doesn’t need a babysitter.
If Smith’s off the board? Fine. Roll the dice on Judon — but only at a discount and only if you’re ready to supplement with a real in-season move.
Just don’t come limping into Week 1 thinking Jamaal Williams is your impact signing. Don’t waste money throwing it at him — we’ve seen that movie before, and it sucks.
