The Chicago Bears are going to be something different in 2022. Both in good and bad ways. Expectations are they’re likely not going to be playoff contenders, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying to piece together a roster that can at least compete. Matt Eberflus already did some extra legwork towards this goal when he helped recruit free agent Justin Jones to the team despite almost signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
That was the first indication that the new Bears head coach might have some untapped potential to lure players to Chicago. Now he’s being encouraged to strike again. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes the team still needs more help at edge rusher following the departure of Khalil Mack. While the market is hardly strong at this point, there is one name that makes perfect sense for what the Bears need.
“The Chicago Bears could use another edge-rusher after trading Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers at the onset of free agency. New head coach Matt Eberflus should look to reunite with a familiar face from his time with the Indianapolis Colts.
Justin Houston spent two seasons in Indianapolis before landing with the Ravens last year. While the 33-year-old isn’t as productive as he was in his prime, he’s still a capable situational rusher.
In his two seasons with the Colts, Houston logged 19 sacks. While he had only 4.5 sacks with Baltimore last season, he had a solid 24 quarterback pressures while playing 61 percent of the defensive snaps.”
Justin Houston got the sack but Josh Jacobs' blitz pick-up sheeeeeesh 👀 pic.twitter.com/yp0STg1kx4
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 14, 2021
#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#ProBowlVote x Justin Houston#INDvsTB pic.twitter.com/ubj5BK69U2
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 8, 2019
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Most people thought Houston was cooked by 2019.
The former Pro Bowler hadn’t cracked double-digit sacks in the past four seasons. He was also having some trouble staying healthy. Indianapolis took a chance on him anyway. Not only did Houston play every game that year, but he delivered 11 sacks. His highest total since 2014. Eberflus understood exactly how to use him and maximized what he did best. It is only natural to think reuniting the two might lead to good things.
What isn’t being accounted for is the current state of the defensive end position. The Bears still have Robert Quinn, and it looks like they are content with Trevis Gipson on the other side, with Al-Quadin Muhammad serving as their rotational rusher. Gipson had seven sacks last season, and Muhammad had six, both more than Houston. They’re younger and likely cheaper too. So justifying this move might prove difficult.
Matt Eberflus may have bigger fish to fry
Edge rusher is far from the biggest issue for the Bears defense anymore. They still need another starting linebacker. Roquan Smith figures to be their man in the middle while Nicholas Morrow may play one of the outside positions. Then there is the secondary. Right now, only Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson seem like confirmed starters. That leaves a safety position and two cornerback positions undetermined.
Then there is the matter of the offense. Thus far, the Bears have only added one starting offensive lineman (Lucas Patrick) and minimal help at wide receivers with Byron Pringle and Equanimeous St. Brown. Justin Fields will need more help if the team wants him to take a step forward at quarterback. Matt Eberflus understands that.
So unless Houston is prepared to take a team-friendly deal, this idea seems unlikely.
Never mind the other factor. The 33-year old is at a point in his career where he’s chasing a ring. Houston has yet to win a Super Bowl. He left Kansas City the year before they did so, and his three seasons between Indianapolis and Baltimore didn’t produce the desired result. Chicago isn’t anywhere near contender status. So even if the Bears wanted him, the feeling isn’t likely to be mutual.
