Turns Out The Bears Interest In Yannick Ngakoue Might Be Mutual

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the Chicago Bears have contacted veteran pass rusher Justin Houston about a potential deal. It isn't a huge surprise. Houston has ties to both GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. He could provide their young group of rushers with some sorely needed veteran leadership. However, it sounds like he's holding out for a better money offer. Thus the Bears have decided to wait things out, perhaps looking into other options. One of them is Yannick Ngakoue.

Most feel the 28-year-old is the best remaining free agent available. He's averaged at least eight sacks per season for his career and has familiarity with the system the Bears run. He also worked with defensive line coach Travis Smith in Las Vegas. It is known the team has interest in him. What isn't clear is what Ngakoue wants. There are conflicting reports. Some say he's hoping to join a contender. Then he turned around and said he was open to signing anywhere. Chris Emma of 670 The Score confirmed this when he revealed that it includes the Bears.

"Ngakoue, 28, posted 9.5 sacks last season with the Colts. He has posted no fewer than eight sacks over seven NFL seasons. Ngakoue has interest in signing with the Bears, according to multiple sources. He is seeking a multi-year deal having played with four different teams over the last three seasons."

Yannick Ngakoue is exactly what the Bears need.

While he isn't known for stellar run defense, nobody can dispute he is a consistent, dependable rusher. His speed off the edge is something this team doesn't have. It is a surprise he isn't already on a roster. Rumors persist that it isn't a contender he's holding out for. He wants a contract with multiple years on it. This isn't a huge surprise. Ngakoue has been on five different rosters since the end of 2019. He left Jacksonville to sign with Minnesota, who then traded him to Baltimore midseason. Again he departed as a free agent, spent a year in Las Vegas, and then headed to Indianapolis, where he played for the Colts.

There is no question Yannick Ngakoue is likely tired of constantly changing homes. He'd like to put down some serious roots somewhere. Only a multiyear contract can provide such security. It seems no team, including the Bears, has been willing to offer that. It isn't known why. Maybe they see him as a one-trick pony. His pass rush skills are obvious, but that's it. He doesn't help you against the run and offers nothing on special teams. Such players are often viewed as mercenaries rather than mainstays.

We'll have to see if something changes.