The Chicago Bears have addressed their need for a pass-rusher with someone not named Khalil Mack. Mack agreed to a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers shortly before the opening of NFL Free Agency.
With Mack no longer on the table, the Bears pivoted in the direction of Dayo Odeyingbo. Odeyingbo spent the first four seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Last season, Odeyingbo totaled 3 sacks and 7 tackles for loss.
Odeyingbo will now serve as the edger rusher on the opposite side of the defensive line. It was an area of need for the Bears last offseason but wasn't addressed. Instead, the Bears were hoping for elevated play from Dominique Robinson while supplementing the role with a fifth-round selection of Austin Booker and a Pre-Season trade for Darrell Taylor. The release of DeMarcus Walker last month also indicated that the Bears were planning on adding a defensive end this offseason.
Updated Chicago Bears OL depth chart after Dayo Odeyingbo signing
Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
Left defensive end | Montez Sweat | Austin Booker | Daniel Hardy |
Left defensive tackle | Andrew Billings | Chris Williams | |
Right defenisve tackle | Gervon Dexter Sr. | Zacch Pickens | |
Right defensive end | Dayo Odeyingbo | Dominique Robinson |
Even after the signing of Odeyingbo, the Bears are thin when it comes to defensive line depth. It wouldn't be a complete surprise if the Bears target a defensive tackle in the early rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Billings was among the first Bears players that Ben Johnson praised during his introductory press conference, so it's a safe bet to assume he will have a starting spot if healthy. Beyond Billings and Dexter, the Bears would stand to benefit from adding reliable depth pieces. That likely played a part in the Bears tendering a contract to Daniel Hardy and Chris Williams ahead of free agency.
The Bears, as it currently stands, are putting a lot of trust in Robinson and Booker elevating their play in 2025. Especially when you consider that Odeyingbo has yet to reach his full potential at the NFL level. For Booker, that would seem to be more possible, but after struggling in his sophomore season, Robinson likely is facing an uphill climb.