The Chicago Bears have turned a workout into a contract to help the team's pass rush.
CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz reported that the Bears are expected to sign defensive end Marcus Davenport to a contract. Davenport just worked out with the Bears after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions.
Over the last two seasons with the Lions, Davenport racked up 16 tackles, seven quarterback hits, 1.5 sacks, and one tackle for loss in 10 games. He is more well known for what he did with the New Orleans Saints, putting up 21.5 sacks in his first five NFL seasons, including a career-high nine sacks in 2021.
Marcus Davenport's connections could pay off for Bears' biggest roster headache
The connections between Davenport and the Bears were just too much not to bring him in. Davenport played under Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen when Allen was the defensive coordinator and head coach in New Orleans. Davenport was with the Lions in 2024 when Bears head coach Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator there.
Chicago faced off against Davenport multiple times throughout the last three years when he played for the Minnesota Vikings and Lions. The Bears know what Davenport can bring to the table in 2026.
His obvious contribution will be to help the pass rush improve after having just 35 sacks in 17 games last year. The Bears did nothing in the offseason to improve the unit.
Entering 2026, Montez Sweat is their top pass rusher. The Bears will also be looking for Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo to step up and play well this season.
Outside of that, the Bears have a pass rush problem off the edge. Gervon Dexter Sr. will be able to help as well, but he's a defensive tackle, so the Bears won't get the kind of consistent pressure they need from the defensive end position.
Devenport has not been the same since leaving New Orleans and needs a new place to reinvent his career. Chicago is the perfect place to provide that, since he knows the defense and knows the coaches well.
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This may not 100% solve their pass-rushing problems in 2026, but it will at least give them the kind of support they have been needing. It could end up being the sleeper move of the season if Davenport returns to his Saints form from five years ago.
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