The Chicago Bears made several changes to their defensive line this past off-season. That was inevitable once they shifted from a 3-4 to a 4-3 under new head coach Matt Eberflus. They’d need new faces for defensive end. Al-Quadin Muhammad was signed as a free agent. Dominique Robinson soon followed as a 5th round pick. Both look like locks to make the roster alongside Robert Quinn and Trevis Gipson.
What isn’t certain is whether the Bears will carry a fifth player at the position. Some teams do it, and some don’t. If Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams decide they will, one name stands out as an easy choice. That is Sam Kamara. Most Bears fans remember him as an undrafted free agent last year who enjoyed a productive preseason. Sadly it wasn’t enough to earn a roster spot. He spent most of his time on the practice squad. One could argue few benefited more from the scheme switch than him. Kamara has dominated the past two games as a defensive end with nine pressures, including a sack.
He is tied for third among all edge rushers so far this preseason.
Chicago Bears have to like what they’re seeing.
What makes Kamara’s case even strong is his run defense. He hasn’t been a one-trick pony this month. Pro Football Focus gave him an 87.7 run defense grade through two games. He had two stops for no gain or a loss against the Seahawks. People can talk about his lacking size or his average strength. The reality is none of that seems to matter. Kamara keeps finding ways to affect the quarterback.
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If there is one thing that may prevent the Chicago Bears from keeping him, it’s his special teams value. Kamara did have two special teams tackles last season in limited opportunities. The problem is he’s only played two snaps in the third phase this preseason. So either the Bears like him enough to where it doesn’t matter, or they know they can’t afford to keep him without sacrificing special teams value.
The truth is Kamara has done enough to earn a roster spot. He’s done everything asked of him. That is what the coaches wanted. We’ll see if Eberflus rewards him for it.
