The Chicago Bears haven’t done a lot of exciting things this offseason. Undoubtedly a byproduct of having little money to spend. Then again it’s times like this where having a GM like Ryan Pace can be beneficial. For all his faults, the man has proven consistently adept at finding quality bargains in free agency. Mario Edwards Jr. and Tashaun Gipson were two perfect examples last season.
Now it seems he’s struck again. The Bears released a statement that they had come to terms with outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu. The 28-year old spent the past two seasons playing for the Denver Broncos under Vic Fangio. So it’s not hard to see the interest. During that span, he racked up 8.5 sacks and 29 pressures in 15 games. Solid production for a rotational edge rusher.
Strengthening our OLB room. 💪
Welcome to Chicago, @JAttaochu45! pic.twitter.com/Kg9ctdQ0AN
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 21, 2021
Attaochu is a fascinating story.
A 2nd round pick out of Georgia Tech in 2014, it looked like he was poised for big things in San Diego after a strong second season with six sacks. Sadly injuries struck in 2016, costing him eight games. Then the Chargers shifted to a 4-3 defensive scheme. This made it difficult for him to see the field given his limited size. He was always better as a 3-4 outside linebacker.
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That was no doubt a big reason why he signed with Denver in 2019. Fangio runs that type of defense and knew how to use Attaochu properly. The results speak for themselves. Now Fangio’s disciple Sean Desai figures to make similar use of him. With Barkevious Mingo a free agent, the Bears needed some depth behind Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. Attaochu could be called an upgrade in that regard.
Dang, this three play sequence from Jeremiah Attaochu on the 2nd drive of the game for the Chargers is outstanding. #Broncos pic.twitter.com/3BwH6VMMMO
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) December 5, 2019
Hard to believe this was not a strip-sack by Jeremiah Attaochu. Very good rush from both he and Bradley Chubb on this play. How it ended with an incomplete pass is beyond me. pic.twitter.com/YAttPZChWc
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) September 17, 2020
Chicago Bears continue to stay disciplined in their approach
Thus far they haven’t made a big splash in free agency. Granted, they don’t really have the money to do so. Then again that hasn’t stopped them from exploring big options like Trent Williams and Kenny Golladay. However, it’s apparent they have specific dollar amounts they refuse to go over. They seem to have learned their lesson last year from the Quinn debacle. Another reason they likely made sure to add Attaochu.
Quinn’s health status remains a big question mark. He was reportedly dealing with drop-foot last year which clearly affected during games. Just two sacks all season. His lowest in several years. The Chicago Bears are no doubt hoping he has a rebound year. Combined with Attaochu adding juice as a rotational guy, the team’s QB hunting unit could be in good shape.
One subplot to watch is that of Trevis Gipson.
Coaches had high hopes in the former 5th round pick out of Tulsa. He didn’t do much with his opportunities last season. Is he putting this critical offseason to good use? He’ll be battling Attaochu for snaps and right now the veteran has a clear advantage. This upcoming training camp figures to be a significant battle for the young outside linebacker. Mostly new coaching staff should make it a pretty even battleground though. If Gipson has improved? So much the better for this unit.