Bears' new addition brings value in more ways than one
There is plenty to like about the Chicago Bears new additions through free agency. With that being said, one under-the-radar addition is beginning to sound like the perfect fit for head coach Matt Eberflus’ group. The Bears signed DE DeMarcus Walker to a three-year deal worth $21 million in the middle of March. Needing an […]
There is plenty to like about the Chicago Bears new additions through free agency. With that being said, one under-the-radar addition is beginning to sound like the perfect fit for head coach Matt Eberflus’ group.
The Bears signed DE DeMarcus Walker to a three-year deal worth $21 million in the middle of March. Needing an established pass rusher, Chicago filled a key void by inking the six-year veteran.
While his on-field production has been well-documented with seven sacks in 2022 with the Titans, what makes him even more valuable is what he bring to the Bears’ locker room. Walker has previously spoke about his willingness to assume a leadership role on a young Bears defense.
Walker has been nothing short of impressive since arriving in Chicago, but Bears fans can gain a new appreciation for the pass rusher after one NFL assistant’s latest comments.
Denver Broncos strength and conditioning/nutrition assistant Wil Keyser has plenty of experience working alongside Walker. He helps in Walker’s offseason training in order to get the 28-year-old ready for the grind of the NFL season.
In recent comments made to Dan Greenberg, Keyser couldn’t say enough great things about Walker’s work ethic.
“He’s a true pro, who works as hard as anyone I’ve trained,” Keyser said, via Greenberg. “He does the extra work to take care of his body off the field/outside of the gym. A great leader who always shows up with a smile on his face.”
Acquiring talented players is the first step of bringing the Bears back to relevancy. But adding players who will lead by example for one of the NFL’s youngest teams helps develop the winning DNA Eberflus is working so diligently to establish.
On the surface Walker is an instant upgrade to a Bears pass rush which finished dead last in the league just a season ago. But after peeling back the curtain, Walker’s value exceeds his on-field production.
