Packers lose top free agent target to the Bears, and the contract structure is likely reason why it happened
The Green Bay Packers wanted defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Well, it's not happening. The former Indianapolis Colts edge defender is expected to sign a three-year, $48 million deal with the NFC North rivals Chicago Bears.The $16 million yearly average is what was expected around the NFL. The contract structure, though, is possibly something that kept […]
The Green Bay Packers wanted defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Well, it's not happening. The former Indianapolis Colts edge defender is expected to sign a three-year, $48 million deal with the NFC North rivals Chicago Bears.
The $16 million yearly average is what was expected around the NFL. The contract structure, though, is possibly something that kept the Packers away from getting a deal done.
According to NFL Network's insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears gave Odeyingbo $32 million in guarantees, which is two of the three years. For non-quarterbacks, the Packers usually guarantee only a season, in the form of a signing bonus. That’s why Green Bay has generally had a tough time adding external free agents.
After a few seasons with financial issues, Green Bay enters the 2025 league year with more than $40 million in cap space. Excluding procedural moves, the team has around $28 million to actually spend in free agency—and teams usually structure contracts in a way to make the cap hit lower in Year 1.
However, some big names have already gone off the board. Paulson Adebo signed with the New York Giants, DJ Reed went to the Detroit Lions, and now Dayo Odeyingbo goes to the Chicago Bears.
Charles Omenihu from the Kansas City Chiefs could be a Plan B. He's 27 years old and has already played for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and has been with the Chiefs since 2023. Omenihu is 6'5, 280 lbs. General manager Brian Gutekunst usually prioritizes players with at least 270 lbs at the position, with few exceptions.
Dayo Odeyingbo is an impactful signing for the Bears. Even though the production wasn't there throughout his rookie contract, the edge rusher is perceived as having a high ceiling, and that's ultimately why the Packers were interested. Dayo is young and will be the second edge on the Bears' roster, behind Montez Sweat.
Jaire Alexander’s future with the Packers takes interesting turn as free agency kicks off with uncertainty surrounding his status
Cornerback is still under contract
