Chicago Bears: 3 more moves Ryan Poles still has to make this offseason

Ryan Poles needs to add another pass rusher.

Jaquan Brisker led the team in sacks last season with four. The problem is, not only is that a low number for a team sack leader, but Brisker also plays safety.

Last year’s defense registered just 20 sacks and 43 quarterback hits. The defensive line accounted for just 10.5 of those 20 sacks.

Head coach Matt Eberflus’ defense is predicated on generating pressure with the front four. It needs a game-wrecking three-technique defensive tackle and then edge rushers who can make the quarterback uncomfortable.

Poles hopes he found Eberflus a three-technique in Dexter or Pickens. He was unable to get an edge rusher in the draft. He did add Walker who is coming off a seven-sack season. Otherwise, the Chicago Bears will enter the season with Trevis Gipson as the other starter. He regressed last season after the Bears switched from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 front–a front Gipson had success with in college.

Second-year player Dominique Robinson is still a part of the rotation. He showed promise in the first game of last season, but then struggled to generate much of a pass rush the rest of the season. Rasheem Green was also signed this offseason.

That is not exactly an edge-rushing group that will have opposing quarterbacks up all night.

Poles is aware there is more work to be done to upgrade the pass rush. He hinted a trade could be made to get an edge rusher. Washington could be motivated to move Chase Young after declining his fifth-year option. They also might want to get something back for Montez Sweat in case they are unable to get him signed to an extension.

Young has had trouble staying on the field because of injuries. Poles does value availability as a key trait in players. Also, the Commanders have not indicated they would want to make a trade.

The most likely situation is Poles adds a veteran right before training camp. The hope is the price to sign a player will be reduced and for fewer years.

There are still some decent players on the market. Yannick Ngakoue, Frank Clark, and Leonard Floyd are still unsigned. It would not be shocking for Poles to go with Clark. Poles was part of the Kansas City Chiefs front office when Clark joined the team.