The Chicago Bears are expected to be active in free agency as they try to revamp the roster to the specifications of their new coaching staff. That includes identifying potential pieces for new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He already has a strong foundation to work with, anchored by Montez Sweat, Jaylon Johnson, Gervon Dexter, Kyler Gordon, and T.J. Edwards. So don’t expect any blockbuster contracts. However, there is a strong possibility they work on the fringes to boost the floor of this unit.
A source told SM that Allen is hoping to bring in a familiar face from his time with the New Orleans Saints: defensive end Chase Young. The Saints took a one-year flier on him this past season, watching him rack up 5.5 sacks and 66 pressures. He’s still just 25 years old and is expected to command around $10-12 million per year on his next deal.
Dennis Allen loves types like Young.
He prefers bigger defensive ends who are explosive. Young is 6’5″, 265 lbs, and quick off the ball. There is a reason he was the #2 overall pick a few years ago. Unfortunately, injury setbacks stunted his growth in Washington. The Saints gave him a fresh start, and he seemed to handle it well despite the team’s obvious issues. Chicago offers him a potential home where he wouldn’t have to be the guy. He’d even reunite with Sweaet, who was teammates with him for every season of his career before 2024. The addition of playing in front of a good secondary like the Bears’ should give him ample opportunities to boost those sack numbers.
Whether this happens will depend on the sales pitch Dennis Allen gives to the front office. Given the price tag, it isn’t too outlandish to think the Bears will make an effort to land him. Smart money says there will be competition, though.
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They would still need to draft that speed Rusher. Sweat and Young are the big bookends but we need a guy who can rev up the engine.
Chase Young will be around for the rest of the decade. So will questions about his health, motivation, discipline, and consistency. DE Sweat should know most about him and his desirability. Does he want him on the Bears, yes or no?
Dennis Allen is a coach with experience, I trust his evaluations, with that said, Young is a player who can help when healthy, he’d be a good addition but not at the price he’s looking for.