The Chicago Bears are about to take two rough blows to their defense. Kyle Fuller has been released. Akiem Hicks is likely not far behind. Still, the business stops for nobody. This team doesn’t have long to grieve the losses. GM Ryan Pace has to find ways to keep the defense reasonably capable. While he can’t make any big moves, there are some bargain possibilities out there.
It seems he’s already on top of one. According to the NFL transaction wire, the Bears hosted 28-year old edge rusher Jeremiah Attaochu for a visit. The former 2nd round pick has spent the past two seasons in Denver under Vic Fangio. So the interest isn’t a surprise with the team shifting back to Fangio’s scheme under Sean Desai. Attaochu racked up five sacks and 19 pressures in 13 games for the Broncos last season.
The #Bears hosted former #Broncos, #Chargers pass-rusher Jeremiah Attaochu.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 20, 2021
This would be a nice depth move for Chicago.
With Barkevious Mingo likely gone, they could be seeking his replacement. Somebody to compete with promising former 5th round pick Trevis Gipson. Given how much Robert Quinn struggled last year, adding more bodies behind him isn’t a bad idea. When given opportunities, Attaochu has proven himself a smart, aggressive player who does a little of everything well.
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What he lacks in Mingo’s special teams prowess he’ll make up for in superior rushing skills. One could argue Attaochu was not always used correctly during his career. Particularly during his early seasons with the Chargers. When he finally gets to Denver under an actual coach like Fangio? He racks up 8.5 sacks in 15 games. Not bad.
Jerry Attaochu wreaking some havoc 🌪️ @JAttaochu45
📺 #BUFvsDEN on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/NfXkGTHJHc
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) December 19, 2020
Attaochu gets home for a #Broncos sack! pic.twitter.com/xBwGV1awnR
— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) December 29, 2019
Chicago Bears front seven should still be good in 2021
Word arrived recently that the team will in fact likely end up keeping defensive end Akiem Hicks. If so, this is good news for their front seven. All of their starters will be returning this year with the added bonus of Eddie Goldman, fresh off his year away due to COVID-19. Throwing Attaochu into that mix as a rotational pass rusher will only help their cause.
It comes down to whether they can fortify the secondary. Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson will return. However, three other starters will not. Tashaun Gipson is a free agent. First Buster Skrine and now Kyle Fuller have both been cut. Desmond Trufant was signed to mitigate some of the damage but there is a lot of work left to do if this group is ready to take on the passing attacks they’ll face this season.
Don’t be surprised if defensive backs are high on their draft board.
It will be interesting if the Chicago Bears do sign Attaochu. He’s coming off a good season and is only 28-years old. Do they think they can get him for a bargain? It’s a possibility. The edge rusher market slowed down in the past few days. Securing him on a likely cheap one-year deal would solidify their outside linebacker position for this year. One less problem to worry about. Solving the other ones? That is another story.