The Chicago Bears are less than three weeks away from training camp. Most of the roster is set in stone. Head coach Ben Johnson and his staff have a good idea of what they have and how they must construct the systems to maximize it. Attention will be primarily focused on the offense for obvious reasons. It’s Johnson’s specialty and quarterback Caleb Williams enters a pivotal second season as the starter. However, Bears fans aren’t naive. They also know questions linger with the defense. While it is the more proven unit at this stage, concerns persist about its pass rush.
Montez Sweat took a step back last year, dogged by frequent injuries. Dayo Odeyingbo was a welcome addition, but he’s not known for getting sacks in bunches. Grady Jarrett is a great locker room addition, but isn’t the interior terror he was a few years ago. It feels like this team needs another credible rusher to feel secure about their chances. Albert Breer of the MMQB believes at least one name could be in play for them. It is someone they know plenty about, if not in the most beneficial way.
“I think that’s all relative to what’s out there. So they’ll get a look at D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson at running back, and Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo (who plays some inside on passing downs) on the edges when the pads go on, and then maybe consider guys such as Jamaal Williams at running back or Za’Darius Smith as an edge rusher.”
The Chicago Bears can’t argue with what Smith would offer.
The 32-year-old has been a productive pass rusher for several seasons. He gave Detroit four sacks in eight games last season, helping them secure the #1 seed in the playoffs. His size is certainly something defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would like. Never mind the fact that he is highly familiar with the NFC North. He has played for the Packers, Vikings, and Lions. So the Chicago Bears have a deep education on the type of player he is. Another thing about Smith is that he seems to find success everywhere he goes. Each team he’s played for in his career has reached the postseason at least once, except for Cleveland, which traded him midseason last year. If the Bears wanted some winning experience in their locker room, they could do way worse.
