The Chicago Bears weren’t able to take a big swing at edge rusher as they’d hoped. Sometimes the off-season doesn’t fall that way. While GM Ryan Poles was able to upgrade several positions across the roster, concerns linger about the defense’s lack of a proven pass rush presence. That is why speculation persists about them making another move at some point in the near future. It’s a matter of who it will be for. There are rumored options like Chase Young, Yannick Ngakoue, and Frank Clark. Much of this speculation may hinge on what head coach Matt Eberflus wants.
Former Minnesota Vikings GM Jeff Diamond looked over the remaining free agents available as summer approaches. He started finding ideal landing spots for all of them. One notable name is exactly what Chicago needs, even if it’s only a short-term solution. That is long-time veteran Justin Houston.
“Chicago still needs pass-rushing help after not selecting a pure edge rusher in the early rounds. The Bears have plenty of cap room ($32.4 million) to add Houston, who made $3.5 million last season (plus $1 million in sack incentives).
The clincher could be Houston’s connections with Bears coach Matt Eberflus and GM Ryan Poles. Eberflus was the defensive coordinator in Indianapolis when Houston had 19 sacks over the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Houston was a star pass rusher in Kansas City from 2011-2018 when Poles worked in scouting and player personnel for the Chiefs. Houston was the Chiefs’ third-round pick in 2011.”
People will argue Houston is too old at 34. That’s understandable, but don’t forget he had 9.5 sacks last year. He had 19 sacks in his two seasons under Eberflus in Indianapolis. He knows this defense well.
Can Matt Eberflus lure Houston to Chicago?
Money isn’t an issue. The Bears have more than enough to give him a solid one-year deal. The problem is on Houston’s end. At 34 years old, he remains without a Super Bowl ring. Logic dictates he’d prefer to sign with a team that gives him an opportunity to play for a championship. Chicago has improved this off-season, but nobody believes they’re anywhere close to contending for a title. So either the Bears will have to make a strong pitch to him or they will have to make a strong financial offer.
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It falls to Matt Eberflus and Ryan Poles, who know him well. They understand what he can bring to a locker room. He’d be an outstanding mentor to younger guys like Dominique Robinson and Trevis Gipson. If they can get 8-10 sacks from him this season, it would be a huge win for the Bears. This may come down to how desperate the team is. There has been no indication Poles is feeling the need to make a move right now. Training camp isn’t for another two months. He has time. So does Houston.
