The Chicago Bears have lots of work to do this offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. While the unit led the league in takeaways, it was also 23rd in points allowed and 29th in total yards. You won’t win a Super Bowl in those conditions. So Bears general manager Ryan Poles and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen must put their heads together to find solutions. Most discussions have centered around the defensive line, but linebacker is an area that many feel could see significant changes. That is where Pete Werner comes in.
Chicago already released Amen Ogbongbemiga. There are widespread expectations that Tremaine Edmunds will soon follow, netting the Bears $17 million in combined cap space. Noah Sewell is also a free agent. Needless to say, they need bodies at linebacker. Sports Illustrated predicts the team will make a play for the 26-year-old linebacker. Allen drafted him in New Orleans in 2021. Despite solid production this past year, his playing time dipped, and some feel the Saints will make changes on defense.
The Saints are going to trade Pete Werner to the Bears
With Chicago looking to move on from Tremaine Edmunds, the Bears will use a late-round pick to pair a Dennis Allen favorite with a defense in need of quality run support.
Pete Werner is a worthwhile pursuit.
As stated above, he’s only 26. He is in his physical prime. He obviously knows Allen’s defensive scheme, having played in it for four seasons. So there wouldn’t be much of an adjustment period. Then comes the price tag. Werner has two years left on his contract at around $8 million per year. That is a reasonable number the cap-strapped Bears can work around. Given the position he plays and his production level, it is likely Werner would command no more than a 5th round pick to acquire.
| Season | Team | GP | GS | Combined | Solo | Assist | Sacks | INT | FF | FR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | NO | 15 | 8 | 62 | 36 | 26 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | NO | 12 | 11 | 80 | 56 | 24 | 0.0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023 | NO | 16 | 16 | 93 | 60 | 33 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | NO | 13 | 13 | 92 | 54 | 38 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | NO | 17 | 17 | 81 | 50 | 31 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
You’re likely getting a player who is good for 86 tackles and a sack every year. Werner won’t help you much with coverage. That was never his game. However, he is a big, tough player with good instincts who plays the run well. He would upgrade the strongside linebacker spot vacated by Sewell, allowing the Bears to see out a replacement for Edmunds on the weak side. That or they could shift T.J. Edwards back to the outside and go hunting for a middle linebacker in the draft.
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If they land Werner, keep an eye on speed guys in the draft.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State is widely considered the crown jewel at the position in this class. Most predictions have him going in the top 15. If the Bears were to consider anybody at #25, the name to watch is Anthony Hill Jr. The Texas product has been compared to Bobby Wagner with his intelligence, instincts, athleticism, and aggressiveness. He blitzed a lot in college, which would make him a great fit in Allen’s system. If the Bears wanted more of a “safe” pick, he’s the one to watch.
If the Bears wait until day two, Kyle Louis will be a name that likely gets attention. The Pittsburgh product dominated the Senior Bowl, showcasing his excellent range and coverage ability. People will knock him for being on the smaller side, but Allen has never been afraid to play smaller players if he thinks they can ball. Louis would be a versatile weapon in that defense. Also, keep an eye on Harold Perkins Jr. from LSU. He needs some work, but his athletic prowess is unmistakable.
