NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears have finally added a new defensive end to their roster via free agency.
No, it isn’t that guy. And it isn’t that one either.
Unless you’re thinking about Jake Martin, the defensive end who agreed to a one-year contract with the Bears today:
And if you had Jake Martin being the Bears’ first free-agent signing at defensive end this offseason, then kudos to you. If you’re not too busy, then maybe you can share tonight’s winning lottery numbers with the rest of us.
Martin, 28, was a Seattle Seahawks sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He has 91 games under his belt and has spent time with the Seahawks (2018), Houston Texans (2019-21), Denver Broncos (2022), New York Jets (2022), and Indianapolis Colts (2023). Martin’s most productive season came in 2021 as a member of the Texans. The Temple University product played in 17 games (started 14) and came up with 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 tackles-for-loss, 6 quarterback hits, and a safety. Not bad for a rotational defensive end.
It is time for the Bears to turn their attention to defense
Since the start of the new league year, Chicago’s football team has acquired…
… so it was only a matter of time until the team reeled in someone to play on the defensive side of the ball.
I don’t see this move as being the last notable addition to the defensive side of the ball. Heck, I don’t even think this is the last move made for the Bears along the defensive line. This team lost starting defensive tackle Justin Jones to the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and still needs to plug in a starter in place of Yannick Ngakoue (who is a free agent). Jake Martin probably doesn’t unseat DeMarcus Walker as the starting defensive end on the opposite side of the formation from Montez Sweat. In fact, the move reunites Walker and Martin — who were teammates in Houston back in 2021.
However, Martin does bring an upgrade as a rotational pass rusher in situations. And I’m not one to overlook the value of depth along the defensive line.
