The Chicago Bears have been one of the most aggressive teams this offseason. From head coach down to players on the roster, the Bears made sure to add more talent.
To bring in new players, they had to part ways with a couple of guys as well. Free agency opened in March, and two months later, some players are still available.
Defensive end DeMarcus Walker is one of those guys who was released by the team in February to save cap space. The fact that he's still on the open market is puzzling, and the Bears should bring him back for the 2025 season.
Walker was selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos and spent the first four years of his career there. He then signed with the Bears on a three-year, $21 million deal in 2023.
In those two seasons (34 career games, 29 starts), Walker had 77 total tackles, 32 QB hits, 16 TFLs, and seven sacks. Last season, he finished with a 64.7 overall grade (85th among 211 eligible defenders) and a 62.3 run-defense grade (90th among 211 eligible defenders).
Walker showed the ability to stay healthy over the past two seasons and give this defensive front a reliable presence. I understand the Bears let him go for money purposes, but re-signing him to a one-year team-friendly deal could be something to benefit both sides.
Teams can never have enough defensive linemen, and the Bears fall into that boat. Walker has compiled 26.5 sacks and 40 TFLs in his eight-year career between Denver, Chicago, Tennessee, and Houston. The 30-year-old has logged at least 400 total snaps in three straight seasons and has played in 10-plus games in six straight seasons.
Bringing Walker back would be a win for the Bears and help their defensive front for 2025.