Last year was a prime example of how the Chicago Bears were extremely overpaid for Dayo Odeyingbo that offseason, but 2026 suggests it may not have been that bad.
In 2025, Odeyingbo struggled in just eight games, racking up 21 tackles, two quarterback hits, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one pass deflection. He suffered a season-ending injury, proving everyone was right about general manager Ryan Poles making a massive mistake by signing him in free agency.
Things had to change in 2026 if Odeyingbo wanted to stay in Chicago past next offseason, given all the pressure he faced. He heard all the noise and has responded in a way that's been nice to see.
What Dayo Odeyingbo is doing well through two games in Bears' 2026 season
Odeyingbo saw some changes in his role with the Bears in training camp. Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen decided to have him play off the edge and play defensive tackle for Chicago.
For two weeks, it's worked pretty well for them. In two games, Odeyingbo racked up two tackles, two quarterback hits, one tackle for loss, and one sack.
Two key stats that Odeyingbo has done really well in over two games are pressures and hurries. He has eight pressures and five hurries, both top-15 in the NFL. In the 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, Odeyingbo led the Bears with five pressures.
Pro Football Focus has his pass-rush grade at 64.1, ranking 46th out of 109 eligible edge rushers. No, it's not the best grade or the greatest stats, but he is doing what he did so well with the Indianapolis Colts early in his career: pressuring the quarterback.
Where Dayo Odeyingbo needs to improve upon with Bears
The lack of tackles is a bit worrisome, as he needs to be in on more plays. It's worth mentioning that since he is playing more as a defensive tackle, it's logical that his stat line would take a bit of a hit.
Odeyingbo needs to improve mostly in run defense. He's been mainly a pass rusher, so stopping the run was never his forte. At defensive tackle, he's there purely to rush the passer.
PFF has his run-defense grade at 54.1, ranking 81st out of 109 defensive ends. The proof is in the pudding: Odeyingbo isn't quite the run-stopper the Bears need, but he's not a necessity.
Can Dayo Odeyingbo be the guy Bears fans need him to be?
Odeyingbo's game needs improvement in some areas, including stopping the run. This is an area the Bears' defense needs to improve.
His job is to rush the passer; that's why the Bears initially brought him in. He couldn't do that well last year, but he's off to a much better start this year.
Read more: Caleb Williams' untimely injury overshadowed Bears' defense stepping up in Week 2
No, it's not perfect right now, and the Bears would love to see him keep improving, but there's enough there that it won't be like last year. Odeyingbo is playing much better and can be an impact player on this defense in 2026.
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