The Chicago Bears couldn’t afford to leave the first day of free agency without getting some help for their defensive line. After Javon Hargrave, Dre’Mont Jones, and other top names took big deals elsewhere, GM Ryan Poles opted for somebody under the radar. That is DeMarcus Walker. The defensive end had a breakout season for the Tennessee Titans in 2022, notching seven sacks and 16 quarterback hits. He brings good size and length, plenty of power, and enough quickness to play both inside and outside. He’s the type Matt Eberflus typically likes.
No, Walker is not the start Chicago needs. Expecting to find that in free agency was never realistic. What the Bears required was upgrades over what they had. Walker fits that profile. He is 28 years old and currently playing his best football. Most of his sacks and pressures came over the final ten games of last season. Eberflus likely sees him as another Denico Autry. He can move inside and outside, using his power and length to create penetration at the line of scrimmage.
The Chicago Bears are far from done.
Walker is merely the first piece of the puzzle. There is a strong possibility Poles and Eberflus will at two or three more starters to this front four before the end of next month. That is how much help they need. The good news is there are still some solid veterans out there. Dalvin Tomlinson, A’Shawn Robinson, and Poona Ford are worth looking into at defensive tackle. Samson Ebukam, Frank Clark, Yannick Ngakoue, and Arden Key remain available on the edge market. Signing even one of them would give the Bears a nice cushion going into the draft.
This 2023 class seems loaded with young talent. The Chicago Bears have three picks in the first two rounds. They could possibly find two starters up front with a little luck. One thing remains clear. This regime won’t be intimidated by the outside noise. They intend to avoid overpaying. Getting Walker at $7 million per year is solid market value. He will help. More will come in the subsequent days and weeks. The key is not to get too caught up in the drama.
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