The Bears Expected to Investigate the Possibility of Adding DPOY Candidate to Complement Montez Sweat
Picture a formidable Chicago Bears defensive line featuring both Montez Sweat and Danielle Hunter relentlessly pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
In his November 28 column, Chicago Tribune's Bears insider Brad Biggs highlighted Danielle Hunter, the current Minnesota Vikings pass rusher, as a top player to watch for the Bears in the upcoming free agency.
The Bears acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders on October 31 and subsequently signed him to a $100 million extension. Despite this significant move, Biggs suggests that the Bears and their general manager, Ryan Poles, could still pursue Danielle Hunter.
While Biggs acknowledges that spending more on another edge rusher might not be the Bears' preferred approach, he emphasizes the need for a second formidable edge threat to elevate the team's defense. He writes, "The Bears need a second threat off the edge to take the next step on defense."
Fortunately, the Bears are in a favorable financial position for the 2024 offseason, with nearly $84 million in cap space, even with Montez Sweat's contract on the books. This cap space provides them with flexibility to re-sign key pending free agents like cornerback Jaylon Johnson and wide receiver Darnell Mooney while also making significant additions to their roster.
The potential acquisition of Danielle Hunter, who leads the NFL in sacks (13.5) and tackles for loss (18) and is a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, would significantly bolster the Bears' pass-rushing capabilities. Hunter, a three-time Pro Bowler, signed a one-year, $17 million deal with the Vikings for the current season, and he is set to become a highly sought-after free agent next offseason, with a projected value of around $30 million per season.
Biggs suggests that the Bears should consider adding Hunter to their roster, especially if he remains healthy. The contract negotiations for Hunter would likely use Montez Sweat's recent deal as a starting point.
The prospect of pairing Montez Sweat and Danielle Hunter on the Bears' defense is an exciting one. Since joining Chicago, Sweat has already made a significant impact with 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and six QB hits in just four games. In contrast, Hunter has been dominant for the Vikings this season, with 13.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss, 17 QB hits, and four forced fumbles in 12 starts.
Brad Biggs envisions a new dynamic duo on the Bears' defense, comparing them to the previous combination of Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn, but with a younger and more consistent version of Quinn. Quinn and Mack together amassed 35.5 sacks over two seasons in Chicago, highlighting the potential impact of a Sweat-Hunter partnership.
The addition of Danielle Hunter to complement Montez Sweat could provide a significant boost to the Bears' pass rush, which has struggled this season, making it an enticing prospect for the team's defense.
| POLL | ||
30 NOVEMBRE | 35 ANSWERS The Bears Expected to Investigate the Possibility of Adding DPOY Candidate to Complement Montez Sweat Should the Bears go after Danielle Hunter in the off-season? | ||
| yes | 22 | 62.9 % |
| no | 13 | 37.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
