A month ago, people would’ve laughed at this statement. However, there comes a time to admit when one is wrong and it’s clear the Chicago Bears proved their decision was correct when they decided to sign Aaron Lynch as a free agent. The former 49ers edge rusher looked like little more than a one-year flier. A gamble to see if a reunion with Vic Fangio might get something out of him.
Things were made that much worse when he suffered a hamstring injury at the beginning of both OTAs and training camp. This caused to miss every practice and preseason game right up until the start of the regular season. Some called for him to get cut since all he was doing was eating him a vital roster spot that could be given to someone who actually plays.
The Bears never wavered, allowing him the time to get his hamstring right. That patience has begun to pay off as Lynch has established himself as one of the biggest free agent bargains of 2018.
Aaron Lynch has had big impact in limited snaps for Chicago Bears
If people want to have an idea of how significant the Lynch signing has already been, just look at the number. Through three games he has a sack and three hits on the opposing quarterback in 47 pass rush snaps. Leonard Floyd, by comparison, has two pressures in 64 pass rush snaps. In fairness, Floyd is playing with a broken hand but still. Lynch is putting in good work as a complementary rusher to Khalil Mack.
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His big rush on Josh Rosen showed above led to the critical interception that all but ended the game in Arizona in a Bears victory. What’s most encouraging is last year Lynch had 13 pressures total in seven games with one sack. He already has five and one respectively in three in Chicago. It’s clear that reunion with Fangio might be paying off. To think Lynch is still just 25-years old. He may yet have room to grow.
The Bears signed him to a one-year deal this offseason. They might be able to extend him if this pace of play keeps up.
