The Chicago Bears haven’t made any notable roster addition in weeks. GM Ryan Poles seemed content to let the status quo remain following OTAs and veteran minicamps. Either that, or he doesn’t feel the need to do anything until training camp starts later this month. Whatever the case, there are lingering concerns about the makeup of the depth chart. No position has garnered more heated discussions than the edge rushers. Outside of DeMarcus Walker, the Bears haven’t made any notable additions to that spot.
It isn’t a great look since the defense had 20 sacks total last season. Their leader was Jaquan Brisker, a safety, with four. That is a bad look, what with how vital the front four are to the success of a 4-3 defense. The Bears did invest heavily at defensive tackle, but most of their additions look like run-stopping specialists. They still don’t have anybody up front that offenses will have to respect. Former GM Rick Spielman of the 33rd Team has one name in mind that could help.
“Jadeveon Clowney played for the Browns for the past couple of years. He is a better player when he has an elite pass rusher opposite of him, as he did with Myles Garrett in Cleveland. Clowney had nine sacks in 2021 but only two last season when injuries hampered him. Still, he generated pressure on the quarterback…
…A long shot, because I don’t know if Clowney fits how they’re building their team, is the Chicago Bears. General manager Ryan Poles addressed a lot of needs in the draft and free agency, but the one that he didn’t address was a pass rusher.”
Clowney would be a departure for Ryan Poles.
The Bears GM has preferred to target younger veterans since taking over. That means guys under the age of 30. Clowney is not that. Poles also doesn’t seem to think much of players with extensive injury histories. The former #1 pick has struggled with health issues for most of his career. He only played a full season once and has missed five games or more in two of the past three years. Nobody denies his talent. Clowney has size, explosiveness, and length. Yet it won’t do his team much good if it’s sitting on the trainer’s table most of the time.
Ryan Poles doesn’t seem overly desperate right now. He acknowledged the roster is far from complete. He stated multiple times that he knew going into this off-season he wouldn’t be able to fix every position. It’s unfortunate pass rusher was the one left out in the cold. Maybe Clowney is somebody he’ll explore. Recent history says not to bet on it. He isn’t the player he was a few years ago. While he might still be able to help, the price to get him wouldn’t be worth it.
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