A former Pro Bowler could be a perfect addition to the Bears' roster
The Chicago Bears have already done the bulk of the work on their roster this offseason, making some significant improvements after going 3-14 in 2022. There will still be some roster tweaks, however, between now and the start of the 2023 season. Chicago general manager Ryan Poles will keep an eye on remaining free agents, […]
The Chicago Bears have already done the bulk of the work on their roster this offseason, making some significant improvements after going 3-14 in 2022.
There will still be some roster tweaks, however, between now and the start of the 2023 season.
Chicago general manager Ryan Poles will keep an eye on remaining free agents, as well as the waiver wire, as he continues to improve the Bears' roster.
One player that could be of interest to the Bears is veteran pass rusher Justin Houston.
The four-time Pro Bowler, who turned 34 in January, isn't the same dominant pass rusher as he was during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs when he totaled 22 sacks during the 2014 season.
Houston, however, showed last season with the Baltimore Ravens that he can still be a productive pass rusher. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout totaled 9.5 sacks in 14 games in 2022.
One reason why Houston makes sense for the Bears is because of Poles. Houston and Poles were in Kansas City together for eight seasons — I'd say they're quite familiar with each other.
Another reason why the move would make sense is because of Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. Houston was with the Indianapolis Colts for two seasons while Eberflus was the defensive coordinator.
Houston appeared to be a big fan of Eberflus during their time together in Indy.
“If you want to be great, you’ve got to work and I love that,” said Houston in 2019. “(Eberflus) doesn’t care who you are, he’s going to push you. There’s no guy better than the next guy. He doesn’t care who you are. If you have that Colts helmet on, you’re coming to work. If you are on his side of the ball, he’s going to call you out, if you are lacking."
Houston would provide the Bears with a veteran presence that's already familiar with the organization's philosophies due to his previous time with Poles and Eberflus. If he's willing to sign with Chicago, it's a move the Bears should strongly consider making.
