Matt Eberflus Says the Bears Are Interested in Free Agent Pass Rush Help — But Who?

What!? Did you think I was gonna write Taylor Swift-themed posts all day?

Even though it is constantly on my mind, there is no possible way for me to overstate the Chicago Bears’ need to add pass-rush help.

No, that game-changing big-splash addition probably isn’t walking through the doors of Halas Hall. However, I strongly believe defensive masterminds Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams can scheme up a passable pass-rush. But they can’t do it unless they’re able to find some help in free agency. Again, it doesn’t have to be a landscape-shifting addition. But beefing up the rotation with some bulk could be helpful. And yet, it hasn’t happened. Even with GM Ryan Poles hinting at it recently, Chicago’s football team hasn’t brought in help to bolster the pass rush.

But that doesn’t mean the team isn’t looking:

“We’re interested in a lot of free agents, we’re interested in a lot of guys at all positions right now,” Head Coach Matt Eberflus told reporters earlier in the week (h/t NBCS Chicago). “We’re just excited about being able to look at those guys and potentially add as we go through camp and getting closer to the season.”

Living through this gives me flashbacks to the 2022 offseason. Except unlike last year when we were pining for some much-needed offensive line help, it is the defensive side of things that needs aid and assistance. Sometimes, it feels like time is a flat circle. However, unlike last year’s offseason, the Bears did well this offseason to properly fill other holes on the roster. Particularly on defense with the free agent signings of linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. And we can’t overlook the potential importance of drafting defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens. Kudos to Poles for fortifying the front seven in a creative manner. But the work isn’t complete. Not until we say so. Or until we start the season without any other moves. However, I can’t envision the Bears standing pat. Especially not when they’ve been as vocal as they have about adding help.

So … who makes sense?

  • I think we can cross free agent defensive end Yannick Ngakoue off the list. As we discussed in this morning’s set of Bullets, Ngakoue apparently wants to play on a Super Bowl contender. I can’t say I blame him. Although, joining the Bears’ defensive line would help Chicago inch closer to that goal.
  • Frank Clark figures to be a name that will continue to pop up as he remains a free agent. But I have my doubts regarding the cultural fit because of his past. The Bears passed on drafting defensive tackle Jalen Carter back in April and I feel as if the off-the-field concerns kept him off Chicago’s board.
  • I’ve tried talking myself into Jadeveon Clowney as a fit, but diminishing returns during his last season with the Cleveland Browns gives me pause.
  • On the other side of the coin, maybe I should try talking myself back into a place where I can see Leonard Floyd as a fit. A Floyd reunion is fun to think about. And he’d be playing a different position than when he was in that pass-rushing linebacker role in Vic Fangio’s scheme. Even if the fit isn’t perfect, it is still worth discussing.
  • Admittedly, I haven’t considered Justin Houston as a possibility. Maybe I should. Houston has a lengthy career of pass-rush production. Plus, he has a history with Poles that dates back to when they crossed paths in Kansas City (2011-18).
  • Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine offers up the idea of trading for Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart. The 29-year-old Stewart was a Colts fourth-round pick in 2017, meaning that Eberflus and his defensive staff know the Albany State product quite well. I won’t front. The fit is a sensible one. But the Bears already brought in four new defensive tackles. I’m not saying adding another will hurt, it’s just that it won’t be as helpful as we’d like when there is another obvious need.
  • We could go really off-the-board with alternatives. But traveling some of these paths seems tedious.
  • In the end, I fully believe the Bears will add someone by the time training camp opens its doors. Keep in mind that we did this song and dance last year with the offensive line. And right before players began reporting for camp, the team brought in offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield. Perhaps Poles has another trick up his sleeve. Maybe another late-summer depth signing is on the horizon. If not, then the Bears will need to get extra creative when it comes to dialing up a pass-rush.

    Don’t get me wrong. I’m down to get weird when it comes to scheming up pressure. But I’d rather see the team add another able-bodied vet to hassle opposing QBs,

    written by

    Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

    more bears news

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    What Does a Chicago Bears NFL Draft Trade Down Look Like?

    You'd think we'd be well-versed in trade-back options after months of wondering what kind of haul it would take for the Bears to move off taking quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But trading...

    D-Line Thoughts, Caleb, GM Seth Rollins, Pack Votes No, and Other Bears Bullets

    Cubs and White Sox opening day is today today. March Madness resumes with the Fighting Illini playing in the Sweet 16 later tonight. SIU, my alma mater, is reportedly hiring a "Coach Nagy" to lead its basketball team. And what...

    Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

    There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

    Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

    Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

    Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

    Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

    Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

    I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

    Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

    When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

    Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

    It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

    Latest News

    MVC Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | April 2

    There is one game on the postseason college basketball schedule on Tuesday that feature MVC squads, and we have best bets recomendations. That matchup is the Utah Utes versus the Indiana State Sycamores.How to Bet on MVC Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best...

    Pac-12 Basketball Predictions, Computer Picks and Best Bets | April 2

    There is one game featuring a Pac-12 teams on the Tuesday postseason college basketball schedule, the Utah Utes versus the Indiana State Sycamores. Make sure you check out below for today's best bets!How to Bet on Pac-12 Games[lasso rel="draftkings-promo-1" id="299003"]Best...

    Marlins vs. Pirates: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    In their season opener on Friday, Andrew Jacob Puk will take the mound for the Miami Marlins against Martin Perez and the Pittsburgh Pirates, with first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM ET at LoanDepot park.See how to watch the Miami-Pittsburgh...

    Warriors vs. Hornets Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Golden State Warriors (38-34) hit the court against the Charlotte Hornets (18-54) as double-digit, 11.5-point favorites on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET on NBCS. The matchup has an over/under of 218 points.Dig into the best bets...

    Pacers vs. Lakers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Los Angeles Lakers (41-32) are 2.5-point underdogs as they look to extend a five-game win streak when they visit the Indiana Pacers (41-33) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The game airs at 7:00 PM ET on...

    Clippers vs. Magic Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Los Angeles Clippers (45-27) are slightly favored (by 1 point) to continue a three-game road win streak when they visit the Orlando Magic (42-30) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. The point total in the matchup...

    Wizards vs. Pistons Predictions, Best Bets and Odds – Friday, March 29, 2024

    The Detroit Pistons (12-61) are slight underdogs (by 2.5 points) to stop a five-game road losing streak when they visit the Washington Wizards (14-59) on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET. The over/under is 229 in the matchup.Check...

    Rome Odunze Has a Visit With the Bears Coming Soon

    If you aren't already familiar with Rome Odunze's name or game, your time will come. The University of Washington wide receiver is one of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. At this point of the year, I've officially...

    Matt Eberflus Opens a Window to the Chicago Bears Draft Plans

    NFL coaches are notoriously tight-lipped. And in his first two seasons as Bears head coach, Matt Eberflus has been no different. But every once in a while you'll catch Eberflus peel back the curtain and provide some insight regarding the...

    How to Watch Braves vs. Phillies: Live Stream or on TV

    Spencer Strider will take the mound for the Atlanta Braves when they square off against starter Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies in their season opener on Friday, with first pitch at 3:05 PM ET.The article below will provide you...

    more bears news