NEWSLETTER
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?
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,
