One of the better pass-rushing options who could have been a possibility for the Bears is off the board:
Colts are giving Justin Houston a two-year, $24 million contract, per source. https://t.co/gd02EM2YrF
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 21, 2019
The Colts are signing edge defender Justin Houston to a two-year contract worth $24 million. It’s a deal that shores up one of the weaknesses on the Indianapolis defense, but also has implications in Chicago.
Beyond the obvious Bears-Chiefs connections that involve Chicago’s head coach (Matt Nagy) and linebackers coach (Mark DeLeone) having previous employment in Kansas City — thus, first-hand knowledge of what Houston brings to the table as an edge defender who can get to the quarterback — the Bears are in the market for a third pass-rusher. Because while Khalil Mack is a star and Leonard Floyd has his moments, a third defender who is a proven player who can bring the heat as a pass-rusher is something the Bears currently don’t have. And with Houston off the market, their search will continue.
Chicago could still bring back free agent Aaron Lynch, seek out other free agent options, or use a draft pick to fill this particular need. But a contending team should probably have a third pass-rush option who has NFL experience, which is why Houston would have been an ideal fit in Chicago.