National media outlet names top remaining offseason need for Bears
The Chicago Bears are entering their second season under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. Though the first year should really be "year 0" considering the rebuild efforts that took place last season. The rebuild is now well underway and the Bears are looking to make some noise in the NFC North […]
The Chicago Bears are entering their second season under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.
Though the first year should really be "year 0" considering the rebuild efforts that took place last season.
The rebuild is now well underway and the Bears are looking to make some noise in the NFC North in 2023.
Chicago's roster is in a better place than it was a year ago — the addition of wide receiver DJ Moore and first-round draft pick Darnell Wright (an offensive tackle) should make like easier on quarterback Justin Fields in 2023.
There are still a few areas, however, where the Bears could stand to improve.
One such area is their pass rush. In fact, that's Chicago's biggest remaining offseason priority according to NFL.com.
From NFL.com: The Bears made plenty of progress on paper, but who will rush the passer this fall? Chicago failed to draft an edge rusher after ending last season with a league-low 20 sacks. Defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus can't be thrilled with free-agent pickup DeMarcus Walker — with 19.5 sacks in six seasons — doubling as the club's top dog. General manager Ryan Poles would be wise to chase down the likes of Frank Clark or Yannick Ngakoue before the competition comes calling.
Unfortunately for the Bears, they won't be alone in their efforts to upgrade their pass rush. It seems like every team in the NFL is always looking to add quality pass rushers to their roster.
The Bears would be wise to target free agent pass rusher Justin Houston, a player that Poles and Eberflus know well from their previous stops.
Another option could be Washington Commanders pass rusher Chase Young, a talented player with elite skills who has dealt with various injuries over the last two years. Young, who could possibly be on the trade block (if the right offer is made), has tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. He's still young enough (24) that he's worth taking a chance on.
The Bears have some solid options to upgrade their pass rush, but they'll have to act quickly if they want to beat other teams to the punch.
