It has not been a good first impression for new Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo who has struggled, but he won't have another shot at redemption in 2025.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Odeyingbo suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the Cincinnati Bengals' Week 9 game, ending the rest of his season. In eight starts, Odeyingbo finished with 21 tackles, four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one pass deflection.
The Bears signed him in the offseason to a three-year, $48 million contract after spending his first four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He struggled to get to the quarterback in Indy, which prompted questions as to whether the Bears overpaid for a pass rusher.
Ryan Poles looks even worst for his signing after bust of a first year for Odeyingbo
Everyone's fears about Odeyingbo came true, as he has been one of the worst defensive ends in the NFL, with low Pro Football Focus grades and a lack of sacks. While he was able to get some pressure at times, he never lived up to the expectations of his $48 million contract.
His backup, Austin Booker, did more in one game against the Bengals than Odeyingbo did in eight games. It's a bad look for general manager Ryan Poles.
The Bears still have Montez Sweat, who has been on a tear over the last three games with sacks in each of them. Booker got a sack and forced fumble in the win over the Bengals, so he looks to be in a good position to be the replacement.
One question will be whether the Bears will trade for a replacement for Odeyingbo or look to the free agency market for a replacement. They need to find more depth at the position, depending on how they feel about Booker.
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While it's a crushing blow for the defensive line, it's officially a bad start for Odeyingbo playing in Chicago and now will have a long road ahead to try to earn back the trust of the fan base next year.