In what ended up being a nightmare for Chicago Bears fans to watch unfold, Micah Parsons is now a member of the Green Bay Packers. It is safe to say general manager Ryan Poles needs to respond.
That isn't to say this is a situation where the Green Bay Packers dictate Poles' every move, but I think it's safe to say the Bears have needed to make a specific move long before even Parsons was traded to Green Bay. Now, what's the move? At this point, it is pretty clear.
The Bears aren't going to go out and get a pass rusher like Parsons. But, the need to add to that group is still apparent. And, the best overall option on the market is former no. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.
The Bears can't match the Micah Parsons trade, but Ryan Poles can do what's necessary
To think of signing Clowney is a legitimate response to the Parsons trade might be hyperbole. It may draw some laughs. And that's OK. But, the fact of the matter is, this Bears team needs more depth at the defensive end position.
Clowney classifies as the perfect rotational rusher to come in as the third or fourth guy behind Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, coming in at times like Austin Booker.
Coming off a mediocre season with the Carolina Panthers, Clowney posted 5.5 sacks in 2024. He also tallied 22 quarterback pressures, all while playing 64 percent of defensive snaps. This was Clowney playing in one of the lesser-talented defenses in the league. But, the year prior, he tied his career-high in sacks with 9.5 for the Baltimore Ravens.
The former no. 1 overall pick isn't going to make the type of impact Parsons will in Green Bay, but this isn't necessarily a comparison game. Again, Poles could choose not to make a move in response to Parsons. But, he would be wise to do so.
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Aside from Clowney, the Bears' other free agent pass rush options include Za'Darius Smith, Carl Lawson and Oshane Ximines, to name a few. The options are slim, but Clowney appears to be the best one available.