Latest roster decision has the Bears primed to double down on fixing key problem via free agency and a loaded 2025 NFL Draft class
The Chicago Bears have two clear needs in mind this offseason and one of them is starting to appear more dire after a latest roster decision by the new coaching staff.Last week, the Bears parted ways with veteran defensive end DeMarcus Walker, freeing up over $5 million in salary cap space in the process. Walker […]
The Chicago Bears have two clear needs in mind this offseason and one of them is starting to appear more dire after a latest roster decision by the new coaching staff.
Last week, the Bears parted ways with veteran defensive end DeMarcus Walker, freeing up over $5 million in salary cap space in the process. Walker started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024 and his versatility was a key trait to have on the defensive front.
It's clear the Walker didn't fit into the defensive plans with new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coming in. Walker's release, however, does amplify the need at the position, one the Bears could look to address by doubling down this offseason.
Finding a completement to Montez Sweat off the edge was one of the top defensive needs, and that's even more important after straight up cutting the guy who filled that role. Sweat's presence off the edge was notably restricted in his first full season in Chicago due to the add attention coming his way from opposing protection, something that needs to be fixed heading into next season.
"As we continue to build the defensive line, adding more talent on that will help," general manager Ryan Poles said. "When we looked at some of the chip numbers and the double-teams, [Sweat] did get a fair share of that too. And the way that you defeat that is add more talent to create more one-on-one matchups."
Adding more talent comes in more ways than one, but it's clear the Bears are looking for some kind of alpha at the position to help take the pressure off Sweat. Those kind of guys are usually found in free agency and players such as Khalil Mack and Chase Young immediately come to mind.
Mack and Young each are familiar with Allen's scheme, to a degree. Mack was drafted by the Allen-led Raiders in 2014, but only played four games under Allen before he was fired. As for Young, Sweat's former pass rushing mate in Washington played one season in New Orleans under Allen before he was fired after Week 9.
One of those two will likely land in Chicago as top free agent signings to give Allen the alpha he needs off the edge, and he's already been making his plea to the front office.
“I think we’re always looking for talent acquisition, player acquisition, guys that we feel like can come in and fit into our system that can help us grow as a defensive line," Allen explained. "I’m excited about working with the guys that we have, and I’m looking forward to working with Ryan and his staff to see if we can’t find some pieces to add to it.”
But, looking at the roster, the Bears need more just an alpha defensive lineman off the edge. The lack of depth presented major concerns in 2024 and it's clear the entire front will be overhauled outside of the main starters.
That's where a loaded 2025 NFL Draft class comes into play. With the NFL Scouting Combine set to kick off on Monday, over 70 defensive lineman received invites and will be in attendance performing in front of all 32 teams.
The Bears hold eight selections in the upcoming draft, including four in the Top-75 selections. Adding someone like Mack or Young and then coming back around in April to draft more reinforcements is certainly on the table.
Dennis Allen hopes to build an attacking style defensive front in Chicago and return the position to it's former glory. The front office should absolutely double dip at adding some top talent, in free agency and the draft, to make that happen.
5 non-OL prospects the Chicago Bears should pay close attention to during the 2025 Scouting Combine
Plenty of top talent to consider.
