Last week, the Chicago Bears were in the running to acquire pass rusher Matthew Judon from the New England Patriots. Despite their efforts, Judon ultimately chose the Atlanta Falcons, who offered a third-round pick, leaving the Bears to seek alternative ways to strengthen their defensive line before the season opener.
With limited options remaining, general manager Ryan Poles may need to get creative to address the pass rush. Here are a few potential targets for the Bears:
Free Agent Options:
1. Yannick Ngakoue: Re-signing veteran Yannick Ngakoue could be a pragmatic move for the Bears. Although Ngakoue didn’t have a standout season in 2023, his familiarity with the team and locker room could make him a valuable addition.
2. Charles Harris: Former Detroit Lions pass rusher Charles Harris, who had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 2021, is still available. A change of scenery and the chance to face his old team could reignite his career. Though his recent production has been inconsistent, Harris could be a worthwhile addition.
Trade Targets:
1. Haason Reddick, New York Jets: The Jets acquired Reddick for a third-round pick earlier this offseason, but he’s seeking a new contract. Reddick’s impressive track record, including four consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks, makes him an appealing target. However, the Bears would need to offer more than a third-round pick to secure him.
2. Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers: With the Chargers restructuring contracts to manage financial constraints, Bosa’s future could be uncertain. His contract runs through 2025 with a hefty cap hit, making him a potential trade candidate if the Chargers look to free up space.
3. Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals: Hendrickson, who has a contract through 2025, is another intriguing option. The Bengals, managing significant contracts for key players, might consider trading or releasing Hendrickson, especially after his career-high 17.5 sacks in 2023. Trading Hendrickson could be a strategic move for the Bengals to get value in return.
As the Bears prepare for the upcoming season, Poles has several avenues to explore to bolster their pass rush and strengthen the team’s defensive line.
