Damon Harrison has become a popular name among Chicago Bears fans over the past few months. Why is that? Namely, because he holds a reputation as one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackles in the NFL. This appeals to the Bears because they just lost their star nose tackle Eddie Goldman who opted not to play this season. A move that left the team in a difficult spot.
Thus far they’ve moved ahead with Goldman’s former backup John Jenkins and converted defensive end, Bilal Nichols, as their primary options. It hasn’t gone smoothly. The Bears were way too generous to a 35-year old Adrian Peterson in the opener and Saquon Barkley was having success last week before suffering his knee injury.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier. Todd Gurley, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, and Dalvin Cook all loom on the horizon. Chicago can’t expect to get the fullest from their rebuilt pass rush if they don’t stop the run. That is where Harrison comes in.
Damon Harrison has interest from four teams
After contemplating not playing this year or even retirement, Harrison reportedly is ready to return to the NFL. Adam Schefter of ESPN revealed he will take his first visit with the Seattle Seahawks while other teams including the Packers, Bengals, and Bears have expressed interest.
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So in an effort to create positive vibes, wide receiver (and personal team booster) Cordarrelle Patterson gave a shoutout to Harrison on Twitter.
@snacks big fella. What’s up with that @ChicagoBears visit?
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) September 25, 2020
To the surprise and excitement of many, the big defensive tackle responded.
We gonna set one up after my first visit!
— Billy (@snacks) September 25, 2020
This isn’t the first time Harrison expressed interest in the Bears. He confirmed it a few weeks ago that they were one of the teams he was eyeing. Looking at the landscape, the two spots that make the most sense for him are Seattle and Chicago. The Packers already have star nose tackle Kenny Clark. Cincinnati is rebuilding so that feels unlikely for the 31-year old as well.
Seattle?
They’re looking for depth at defensive tackle after Jarran Reed suffered an injury last week. Then again considering the Seahawks are 2nd in the NFL against the run? They may not be inclined to pay Harrison much. At the same time, having Russell Wilson as your quarterback makes negotiations easier.
From a pure need perspective, the Bears are easily the top option. “Snacks” would be the instant starter at nose tackle, allowing Nichols to move back to his original defensive end position. It’s a spot he’s quite familiar with, playing it his first four seasons in the league with the New York Jets. Getting to play alongside Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, and Robert Quinn wouldn’t hurt either.
It’s a connection that makes so much sense. What it comes down to is whether the Bears are willing to pay enough if they do get him in for a visit.