GM Ryan Poles hasn’t been shy about using the Chicago Bears’ advantageous position atop the waiver wire priority list. A couple of days after adding experienced guard Logan Stenberg from Detroit, the team struck again. This time they secured one of the more surprising cuts so far this month in linebacker Mykal Walker. He was a former 4th round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2020. What makes this a surprise is how well he played last season. Across 16 games and 12 starts, he racked up 107 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions. He was one of the best players on the defense.
However, the Falcons changed defensive coordinators this off-season, hiring Ryan Nielsen to replace the retired Dean Pees. It appears the coach didn’t see Walker as a fit and decided to part ways. Apparently, the Bears saw an immediate opportunity. It’s not hard to see why. Production aside, Walker is 6’3 with 32-inch arms. So he has the size and length Matt Eberflus covets. His ability in coverage is also a big selling point, with three interceptions and 11 passes defended.
Last but not least, Walker was a special teams standout at Fresno State. He had 11 tackles between 2020 and 2021 for Atlanta.
Ryan Poles recognized the zero risk involved immediately.
The Bears aren’t facing any pressing needs at linebacker. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards are established as starters. Noah Sewell and Jack Sanborn seem like quality options for that third spot. Walker wouldn’t have to step in right away and do anything. Here’s a guy who is 25 years old, has proven production, special teams value, and has started 20 games in three years. Having somebody like that as a backup is almost unheard of. This is the kind of move smart teams make. There is no downside.
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Even the $2.7 million price tag is nothing. Chicago still sits among the top teams in the league in cap space. This is the sort of luxury they can afford. Walker being the fifth guy on the depth chart is an unbelievable value. Injuries are a fact of life in the NFL, especially at a physical position like linebacker. His size, length, and instincts make him a factor on every down. He’s up against the clock to make a positive impression quickly, but it’s hard not to love this move by Ryan Poles.
