The Chicago Bears have gotten far more from their pass rush through the first three games than many anticipated. Much of that is thanks to the good health of Montez Sweat, Austin Booker, and Dayo Odeyingbo. Together, the trio has produced 4 sacks through three games when aligned on the same front. Grady Jarrett has also chipped in with some strong interior rushes. Many do wonder how long this can hold up. At some point, it feels like the depth of that group will be tested in some way. That is why the latest news ahead of the New York Jets game feels so important. It appears Marcus Davenport is ready.
People have probably forgotten that the former 1st round pick was even on the team. Chicago signed him on August 17th, long after training camp began. That meant he’d have to spend extra time getting himself in top shape. That was largely why they elected to release him with the final cuts and bring him back on the practice squad. There, he could work himself into proper condition and ensure his body was 100% healthy. Now, just over a month later, he has been elevated to the main roster.
Marcus Davenport comes in with zero expectations.
He is a long way from his time with the New Orleans Saints when he was a highly touted 1st round pick. For a time, it looked like Davenport was on the cusp of becoming a dominant force with 9 sacks in 11 games in 2021. Everything seems to fall apart after that. Injuries began piling up. From 2023 through 2025, he has missed a total of 37 games. People aren’t sure what the 30-year-old has left to offer at this point. His body doesn’t seem able to handle the rigors of a full season.
Then again, that could make this situation in Chicago a perfect one. He already knows the defense, having played under Dennis Allen for years in New Orleans. Combine that with the fact he won’t have to carry starter reps, instead serving as a rotational pass rusher, and it’s possible his body might hold up better. The Bears don’t expect anything special from him. They likely hope he can get somewhere close to the level he played at early in 2024. He had 7 pressures and a sack in two games for the Detroit Lions before going down for the season.
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This likely serves as his last chance.
Everybody knows Davenport’s history by now. They see him as damaged goods. The best ability is availability. Teams won’t sign players they don’t think they can rely on. Marcus Davenport likely knows it was his connection to Allen that got him in the door with Chicago. Otherwise, he would probably still be unemployed. This is all but guaranteed to be his last shot to extend his NFL career. If he can’t produce or gets hurt yet again, he’ll be forced to retire, willingly or not.
The setup is as favorable as he could ask for. It is a familiar defense, and he won’t be asked to play extensive snaps each week. Just get on the field and rush the passer. Plenty of careers have been extended by following that same formula. One thing is certain. If the Bears can even get 4-5 sacks out of him this season, that would be a massive victory, given where the current expectations are.
