The Chicago Bears still have a lot of needs to address, but they did a lot of damage with the players they signed.
One position they did not address, though, was edge rusher, which has been argued to be the most important position for the Bears after just 35 sacks last season. Chicago must help their edge rushers out like Montez Sweat and Austin Booker.
It's not clear whether the Bears will actually get it handled, but someone has to be added for depth, in addition to re-signing Daniel Hardy. Here are four realistic free-agent options for the Bears to consider, not someone like Trey Hendrickson, who would be too expensive.
Al-Quadin Muhammad
Muhammad has so many connections with the Bears right now that it makes too much sense for him to sign. He played in Chicago back in 2022, where he had just one sack, and spent his rookie season coached by defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, when the two were with the New Orleans Saints. After an 11-sack season last year with the Detroit Lions, Muhammad is projected to make $7.8 million per year on his next contract, according to Spotrac, so that might be an affordable deal for the Bears to handle.
Leonard Floyd
It could be as good a time as there is to bring back a familiar face to the Bears. Floyd was the ninth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Bears, where he played his first four seasons. He's put together a nice career with eight or more sacks in five of the last six years. It would be a projected $8.9 million price tag for Floyd, but it would be worth the investment for one year.
Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney might have played for seven teams in 12 years, but the three-time Pro Bowler has played well wherever he has gone. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he racked up 8.5 sacks in 13 games. With his predicted price only being over $5 million, the Bears would be crazy to not consider signing him at that price.
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Dante Fowler
Last season was a disappointing one for Fowler with the Cowboys, but he can still be an efficient edge rusher in the NFL after just three sacks a year ago. He's two seasons removed from having 10.5 sacks with the Washington Commanders. Since he's projected to land a $4 million contract in 2026, the Bears would get a cheap option that can be in the rotation with Sweat and Booker as well as whoever they end up drafting.