The Chicago Bears have a pass rush problem. Montez Sweat still isn’t quite playing like the guy he was in 2023. He was better this past week against Dallas, but it’s evident the Bears defensive front still can’t apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Part of the problem is how it’s constructed. Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo are both power rushers. They lack anything resembling speed. Not having Austin Booker is part of that. He still hasn’t returned from IR. Some have wondered why GM Ryan Poles hasn’t made any moves to find help, watching the last notable free agents sign elsewhere.
One reason is the desire to give Booker an opportunity to play once he returns. Another is that no option has looked appealing enough to this point. ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler indicate that could change in the next few weeks. Their information suggests multiple pass rush options might be available depending on how the fortunes of certain struggling teams play out. Three names stand out as possible targets if the Bears decide they want to be aggressive.
Graziano: Another potentially available Dolphin I have my eye on is edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, a 2021 first-round pick who’s in the final year of his contract. If Miami decides to start moving players, Phillips is probably one of their more popular potential trade options.
Fowler: Good call. Phillips has massive upside despite his injury history. He would fit in seamlessly somewhere, and pass rusher is always a focus for teams. To that end, could a team pry Trey Hendrickson out of Cincinnati? On a smaller scale, Azeez Ojulari is a healthy scratch right now in Philly.
The Chicago Bears’ plans will be dictated by what happens Sunday.
If they win, they will enter the bye week at 2-2, with a chance to catch their breath and prepare for a push out of the break. It might also convince them a calculated gamble on a trade acquisition might be worth it. The same likely wouldn’t be true if they are 1-3. There would be little point. Of the three options mentioned, Phillips is the most appealing. He’s 26 years old and showed tremendous ability in his first two years in the league. Unfortunately, his last two were marred by injuries.
Hendrickson led the league in sacks last season. He’s a proven commodity whom Dennis Allen developed in New Orleans. The two know each other well. Ojulari had six sacks last year. He has speed in his game. The problem is he’s on the smaller side, which may not appeal to Allen. Everything depends on the results this Sunday, both for the Bears and the teams those names play for
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