The Chicago Bears were one of the top teams to sign a top free agency edge rusher.
The Chicago Bears have been proactive in strengthening their defensive front, particularly focusing on enhancing their pass rush capabilities. A significant move in this direction was the signing of veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. On August 4, 2023, Ngakoue agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Bears, bringing his proven pass-rushing skills to Chicago.
Ngakoue’s consistent performance in the NFL is noteworthy. Over his seven-season career, he has amassed 65 sacks, maintaining a record of at least eight sacks each season. This level of consistency places him among elite company, sharing this achievement with legends like Reggie White, Derrick Thomas, DeMarcus Ware, and Aaron Donald.
Before joining the Bears, Ngakoue played for several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts. His 2022 season with the Colts was particularly impressive, as he recorded 9.5 sacks over 15 games, demonstrating his enduring effectiveness as a pass rusher.
The Bears’ decision to sign Ngakoue addresses a pressing need. In the 2022 season, Chicago’s defense struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, recording only 20 sacks—the lowest in the NFL. Ngakoue’s arrival is expected to bolster this aspect of their defense significantly.
In addition to Ngakoue, the Bears have been exploring other opportunities to enhance their pass rush. Recent reports have linked the team to Joey Bosa, a standout edge rusher recently released by the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa’s potential pairing with Montez Sweat could provide the Bears with a formidable pass-rushing duo, further strengthening their defensive front.
Looking ahead, the Bears are also considering long-term strategies to maintain a robust defense. Mock drafts suggest that the team may target top defensive talents in the upcoming NFL Draft. For instance, projections have the Bears selecting edge rusher Mike Green from Marshall with the tenth overall pick, aiming to further solidify their pass rush capabilities.
The Chicago Bears have taken decisive steps to improve their pass rush by signing Yannick Ngakoue and exploring additional acquisitions like Joey Bosa. These moves, coupled with strategic draft considerations, reflect the organization’s commitment to building a dominant defense for the upcoming seasons.
