“When there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.” There’s been talk of a potential reunion between the Bears and free agent edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue for a while now. He’s been linked to the team since last season ended. Given the Bears ongoing need for depth in that position, bringing in Ngakoue, who’s already familiar with their system, makes a lot of sense. The Bears probably won’t seek a long-term solution opposite Montez Sweat until next offseason, whether through free agency, a trade, or the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Ngakoue recently hinted at a potential deal with the Bears, tweeting “ready to rush” this morning. You might be wondering why this is significant and why it suggests he’s close to signing with Chicago. Well, the last time Ngakoue tweeted “ready to rush,” he signed with the Bears six days later and posted the “Bear” emoji.
Should the Bears really consider bringing back Yannick Ngakoue
Of course, there’s a chance that nothing might come of this. However, considering the rumors swirling about a potential reunion with Matt Eberflus and company, coupled with the mysterious yet familiar posts popping up on social media from Yannick, it wouldn’t be surprising if a deal were to be completed soon.
Yannick had a tough 2023 season, possibly his worst as a pro. He only managed 11 pressures and 4 sacks in 13 games due to an ankle injury that ended his season early, causing him to miss the final 4 games. It was the first time in his career he didn’t reach at least 8 sacks. Despite this, there’s optimism that last year was just a blip, and at 29, he still has a few good seasons ahead.
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The Bears recently drafted Austin Booker, who shows promise, although he’s seen as a project. Bringing in Ngakoue would likely benefit Booker’s development, alongside taking some pressure off Demarcus Walker.
Did I ever mention my preference for DE Hunter?
In 2023, Yannick Ngakoue signed a 1 year, $10,500,000 contract with the Chicago Bears, including $4,500,000 signing bonus, $10,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $10,500,000. Clearly, GM, Ryan Poles overpaid, as he is known to do. But, signing the 29 yesr-old Ngakoue for the 2024 NFL season would cost more even than money. There is also a lost opportunity cost associated with playing an older player, as opposed to the ongoing development of the young players on a team’s roster. Ryan Poles has shown that he has had difficulty with drafting quality players on the offensive and defensive ilines.… Read more »
If the Bears do not sign him, then who will? Five million with incentives, no more. Bears need to analyze well in advance the likely DE/DT cuts coming this summer. Try Sewell at DE as well.
@Rocketrider – So you would rather roll with a developmental rookie, DRob, and Walker? That’s worse than if you at Ngakoue to the mix. They don’t have a ton of cap space left, and there isn’t a plethora of talent at that position available either. He was the only guy at DE at the beginning of the year last year, and had limited time with another option in Sweat on the other side. For the right deal (6-8m or less) I think it is a no brainer to get a guy that has averaged 10 sacks a season until you… Read more »
Nope. No thanks. Been there done that. Had his worst season as a Bear and now he wants another shot? Would be a waste of $$.