Should the Bears Sign Help at Edge?
It is no secret that the Chicago Bears' defense struggled last year. They ranked 27th in total defense, allowing roughly 354 yards a game. When breaking this down, they ranked 16th best against the pass but were the fifth worst against the run. To address this issue with the defensive line, the Bears retooled this past offseason by adding Dayo Odeyingbo, who recorded three sacks and 31 total tackles last year, and Grady Jarrett, who had two and a half sacks and 53 tackles. These additions and the optimism under Dennis Allen create hope for the 2025 season. However, is it enough to carry over into actual results?
The starting edges now consist of Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat. Last year, Sweat had a bit of a down year, recording five and a half sacks and 32 total tackles. If he can return to his elite self, then that will make the line a lot more formidable. Behind those two, the depth options are 22-year-old Austin Booker and 27-year-old Dominique Robinson. In 2024, Booker appeared in all 17 games, producing only one and a half sacks and 21 total tackles. Meanwhile, Robinson only played in six games, where he had just six tackles. While they are solid young options, they have not proven to be able to step into the role yet
On the bright side for the Bears, if they look to add veteran help, there are still quality options available. This includes Jadeveon Clowney, Matthew Judon, and Za’Darius Smith. In 14 games this past season, Clowney recorded five and a half sacks and 46 total tackles. Judon played 17 total games and also had five and a half sacks and 41 total tackles. Smith had the most productive year, recording nine sacks and 35 total tackles.
The Bears could just roll with their current options and be fine. It is not a major need right now. However, any of these three options could provide depth. For a team that ranked 16th in sacks and 15th in pressures last year, there certainly should not be any options ruled off the table. A veteran option may also help take the pressure off of the others by allowing there to be another credible option. Having extra talent and help is never an issue.
