The Chicago Bears have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. In addition to making Ben Johnson their head coach, they added a plethora of new faces on both sides of the ball thanks to the 2025 NFL draft, free agency, and trade market.
Bolstering the trenches was one of the Bears' top offseason priorities, leading to their adding Jonah Jackson, Drew Dalman, and Joe Thuney to the offensive line while Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo were added to the defensive front.
Interestingly, the Bears were gifted another opportunity to add even more depth to the defensive line.
According to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, the Cleveland Browns released edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo on Thursday morning. No team can ever have enough pass rushers, and Chicago should look into adding Okoronkwo.
#Browns have released edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo and signed kicker Andre Szmyt, the club announced.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) June 26, 2025
Bears Could Target DE Ogbo Okoronkwo After Browns Release
Even though the Bears have Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo as starters on the edge, they could look at getting more bodies there, especially a veteran like Okoronkwo.
Okoronkwo entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams. The 30-year-old has suited up for the Rams, Browns, and Houston Texans in his six-year career. In 80 games, he has racked up 132 total tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 38 QB hits, and 17 sacks.
Okoronkwo had an underwhelming year in 2024 with Cleveland, posting 23 tackles and three sacks. That sack total was his lowest since the 2021 season. Nonetheless, the Bears wouldn't be bringing him in to play significant reps. It would be more of a depth option.
Chicago also added Grady Jarrett and Shemar Turner along the interior and wants the defensive line to be a strength on this team. That's where Okoronkwo can be a benefit for this club. He's already 30 years old and wouldn't cost a ton to bring him in, making him a low-risk/high-reward target.
A one-year deal could be worth it to bolster an already improved unit right before training camp starts next month, making it an option the Bears must explore.