3 Players the Bears Should Sign This Offseason
3. Tershawn Wharton, DE
Last offseason, the Bears passed up on signing Jonathan Greenard, who had a breakout 2023 effort with 12.5 sacks. This misstep allowed Greenard to sign with the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and continue to dominate with 12 sacks this season. The Bears can not pass up an opportunity to sign a player coming off a breakout year this offseason like Tershawn Wharton.
Wharton was drafted by the Chiefs in 2020 and is having the best year of his career this season. In 2024, Wharton recorded 29 tackles, 11 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Wharton's 6.5 sacks would have led the Bears in 2024.
While Wharton had a breakout season as a pass rusher, his run defense wasn't great. Wharton was given a grade of 44.3 for his run defense by PFF. Although improving their run defense should be a priority for the Bears, Wharton should remain an option.
Given Wharton's performance in 2024, the Chiefs will certainly be interested in retaining him. Despite that, as mentioned above, the Chiefs don't possess much cap space, so if the Bears really wanted Wharton, they could likely outbid the Chiefs for him.
Yet, if Poles overpaid for Wharton and he underperforms, it would make fans even more angry with him. Nevertheless, the Bears desperately need pass-rush help, so taking a swing on Wharton isn't the worst idea.
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