Bears encouraged to sign Star Pro Bowl LB for Reinforcement
A team can never have too much pass-rush help. Free agency provides teams with the ability to add quality depth in that department. With that being said, the Chicago Bears have their work cut out for them as they look to reinforce their defensive line. A top priority is securing an additional high-quality edge rusher during this offseason.
The Bears have numerous possibilities, boasting 10 draft picks and a remarkable $35.9 million in salary cap space - the highest in the league. They might opt for an edge rusher using their No. 9 overall pick, but most draft analysts predict the team will choose a long-term left tackle in that position. Consequently, pass rushers are expected to be a key focus in the second and third rounds, when General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus make their selections at Nos. 53, 61, and 64.
On Monday, April 17, David Kenyon from Bleacher Report compiled a collection of cost-effective free agents that teams might target after the NFL Draft wraps up later this month. Among those players is Baltimore Ravens' edge rusher Justin Houston, who seems to be an ideal match for Chicago on a one-year contract valued at a remarkably affordable $4.5 million.
Houston's 18.4% pass-rush win rate and 14.6% pressure percentage in 2022 were both top-25 marks among edge defenders, and he managed to add 9.5 sacks to his total, which brings him to 111.5 for his career, a top-40 mark all time. For a team looking for a menace on passing downs, Houston is still that guy entering his age-34 season." -PFF
It's uncertain whether the Bears will be able to secure an impactful player within that draft range, which implies they'll likely turn to free agency to acquire at least one more proven edge defender on a short-term contract.
As seen at: Bears Urged to Add 4-Time Pro-Bowl Edge Rusher on Value Deal
| POLL | ||
17 AVRIL | 59 ANSWERS Bears encouraged to sign Star Pro Bowl LB for Reinforcement Should the Bears sign Justin Houston for $5 million/year? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 72.9 % |
| No | 16 | 27.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
