The Chicago Bears didn’t spend any significant money or draft picks at edge rusher this offseason. It was baffling to fans after the team finished 31st in total quarterback pressures last year. Many saw it as the team trying to salvage their investments in Dayo Odeyingbo and Shemar Turner. Both were lost to season-ending injuries in 2025. That is partly true. General manager Ryan Poles insisted the team feels both men can be strong contributors. In reality, the quiet spring was more of a calculated gamble on Austin Booker.
The former 5th round pick had a terrific preseason last August before a knee injury ruined it . He missed the first half of the season as a result. He wasn’t effective through the first few weeks upon returning, but things really clicked over the final six-week stretch. In that span, Booker had 4.5 sacks. He showed why the Bears liked him so much in that 2024 draft. That player, along with Montez Sweat, could form a potent pass rush tandem. Based on new photographs from Booker’s Instagram, the edge rusher is even more jacked than many believed.
He looks geared up for a big season.
Austin Booker knows his time must be now.
Most teams wouldn’t give this much leeway to a former 5th round pick. However, he built up some credibility with his performance last season, along with his obvious dedication. Everybody has said Booker’s work ethic and intensity are among the strongest on the entire roster. He has shown the ability to take that hard work and apply it to games. The trick is staying healthy and putting together a full season. Strong bursts won’t cut it anymore. With this being his third season, the clock is now ticking on him getting a contract extension.
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A strong season would not only put him in line for a massive payday but also indicate the Bears finally have a young pass rusher they can build around. Otherwise, he’s looking at a ceiling of being that rotational guy who occasionally spells one of the starters, and the team will go hunting for real help next offseason. Based on the new photos, Austin Booker is ready for the challenge. Usually, when you see a player put on that kind of good muscle, a significant bump in production isn’t far behind.
Booker will need some help from his defensive teammates.
Part of improving that stat production requires enough opportunities to rush the passer. For that to happen, the Bears must do a better job of forcing offenses into advantageous down-and-distance situations. Chicago was worst in the league at forcing 3rd downs last season. Part of that was because they weren’t good at stopping the run, ranking just 27th. They’ll need a better effort from their interior defense, both at defensive tackle and linebacker, to correct this problem. Booker will have to do his part as well.
The good news is that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen does have a pretty good reputation for developing young pass rushers. Trey Hendrickson and Carl Granderson were two of his bigger success stories during his time with the New Orleans Saints. He’s expressed lots of excitement over what Booker can become. You saw glimpses of it last season. Now he is in top shape and has a greater understanding of the defense. Everything is lined up for a productive next few months.
