Yannick Ngakoue Just Provided Hope The Bears Could Snag Him

Most experts would agree the best pass rusher remaining on the market for any team is Yannick Ngakoue. He is 28 years old with at least eight sacks in every season since he was drafted in 2016. It is somewhat shocking somebody hasn't signed him already. Belief is he is seeking a multiyear contract, a byproduct of bouncing between five different teams since 2019. A few months ago, he also stated that he would prefer signing with a contender, having spent the last two years with underachieving teams. That made the idea of the Chicago Bears landing him seem remote.

Nobody is under the illusion this team will make a deep playoff run. Anything is possible, but after going 3-14 last year, it feels like the Bears are another year or two away before doing that. However, Ngakoue may have provided an opening for them to sneak through. He appeared on The Jim Rome Show to talk about his career and plans for 2023. When asked about his preferences for signing somewhere, it sounds like his tune has significantly changed.

"Any team in the NFL is an ideal landing spot for me. It's a blessing to be able to work any job in the NFL. Being able to go and practice with a team, go through walk-throughs, go through film study, it's a blessing. It doesn't matter what organization in particular."

Yannick Ngakoue makes too much sense for the Bears.

It's well-documented that he isn't what you'd call a complete player. He has never had a reputation for being a strong run defender. Ngakoue has always been a pure pass rush specialist. There is nothing wrong with that. The Bears have already addressed their needs for run defense on the edges with new arrivals like DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green. Ngakoue would give them the last missing piece to round out their revamped front: a legitimate speed rusher that can get you 8-10 sacks in a season.

The Bears are in a good spot. They have a glaring need at the position, so he'll be an obvious starter. Cap space isn't an issue. They have more than any team in the league right now. If that weren't enough, they also have somebody on the coaching staff that has worked with him. Defensive line coach Travis Smith was the assistant defensive line coach for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, the same year Yannick Ngakoue was with the team. Unless the money demands are outrageous, this deal makes too much sense.