Two Players Listed As Most Likely Chicago Bears Pass Rush Targets

The Chicago Bears sit two weeks away from the start of training camp. While most of the roster appears settled, for the time being, GM Ryan Poles has remained quiet on one area many see as a major concern. That is the edge rusher position. Outside of DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Greene, who have never had double-digit sacks in their careers, the Bears haven't done anything at the position. It is why the rumors persist that the team will eventually add another player to the mix.

With training camp around the corner, it feels like the right time to make that move. Missing OTAs and minicamps isn't a big deal for older veterans. They don't need the work. However, that month-long period in August is critical to them learning whichever defense they will play in. That is why the Bears' list of targets might be shorter than some think. Former team scout Greg Gabriel pinpointed two names with the necessary system experience to fit in.

"On the street, there are two players that are familiar with the scheme and have produced as pros.

Yannick Ngakoue is a speed rusher who consistently gets around 10 sacks per year. His run defense is average, but if the Bears signed him, he would be their best pass rusher. He played for the Bears' defensive line coach Travis Smith when both were with the Raiders and had a strong season under Smith.

Justin Houston is 34 years old, which usually would work against him, but he has been very productive recently and played for Flus for two seasons in Indianapolis. Last year in Baltimore, he had 9.5 sacks while playing only 44% of the defensive snaps."

The Chicago Bears have leaned on system experience before.

Ngakoue got a taste of the Tampa-2 defense that Matt Eberflus runs during his career when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. Former head coach Mike Zimmer ran a variation of the scheme. Despite only spending six games in that system, Ngakoue had five sacks. As for Houston, he played for Eberflus in 2019 and 2020 with the Indianapolis Colts. He racked up 19 sacks during that span. It was the best stretch of his career since his 2014-2015 run several years before.

One must remember the Chicago Bears aren't looking for a long-term solution. They seek a one-year patch that can hopefully give them 8-10 sacks. It may come down to what the price tag is. Poles is known for being careful with his spending, especially when it comes to older players. Either Ngakoue or Houston would be adequate signings. What we don't know is the kind of money they're looking for. Not to mention it's unclear if either is interested in joining a team coming off a 3-14 season.