Rumors are heating up again regarding Chicago Bears free agency and possible trades
Last year, Ryan Poles added two veterans right before the start of training camp. Poles signed veteran offensive guard, Michael Schofield on July 25, and followed that up by signing veteran offensive tackle, Riley Reiff the very next day. It appears that rumors are now heating up again as the Chicago Bears creep closer to the start of training camp this week. This time, the rumors are about the defensive line -- specifically the defensive end position.
According to ESPN Chicago's David Kaplan, the Chicago Bears are rumored to be adding a defensive end very soon. Kaplan stated that the Bears are in talks with several free-agent edge rushers.
"I’ve been making calls around the league, it sounds like the Bears are still engaged trying to pick somebody up. I keep hearing they want to add an edge rusher as soon as possible."
- David Kaplan, ESPN Chicago
The Chicago Bears are rumored to be adding a defensive end
When it comes to free agency, the top names still being mentioned at defensive end are Justin Houston, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jadeveon Clowney. As of now, the two names expected to start at the defensive end position for the Bears are DeMarcus Walker and Trevis Gipson. Neither of these options screams elite let alone above average.
Rumors on social media are also stating a trade could be in the works. However, there don't seem to be any credible sources behind those claims. When it comes to trade possibilities, Chase Young is the top name being listed and has been rumored for months. Danielle Hunter is another trade option who has been rumored to be on the market. Finally, fans have also been bringing up the name Bryce Huff.
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Personally, I'm not a fan of trading for anyone. I'd prefer a stopgap option at defensive end and then adding more help in the 2024 and 2025 drafts. Yannick Ngakoue recently stated in an interview that he is open to playing for any team this season. It sounds as if he's not getting any offers or at least any offers he is interested in accepting. Should Ryan Poles sign Ngakoue even though he struggles to stop the run? We all know the team could use his pass-rush skills.