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Bears Sign Underrated Pass Rusher in New Prediction

By Joseph Grassano

Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Aug 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles on the field before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images / David Banks-Imagn Images
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The Chicago Bears' pass rush looked better than many expected to start the season. Unfortunately, the pass rush has been basically non-existent since the first month of the season. As a result, edge rushers remain a need that general manager Ryan Poles needs to address in the offseason.

While drafting another young edge rusher is a necessity, Poles also needs to consider bringing another veteran in. A recent Bleacher Report article suggests the Bears should sign veteran Dayo Odeyingbo.

Bears speculation: Bears sign Dayo Odeyingbo for much needed pass rush help

Odeyingbo was selected 54th overall by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2021 NFL draft. Since 2021,
Odeyingbo has played in 58 games and has 16 starts. In Odeyingbo's 589 games played, he has recorded 103 tackles, 16.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries.

This season, Odeyingbo has the most starts in his career with 11. In those starts, Odeyingbo has recorded 22 tackles, 11 QB hits, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Odeyingbo's production this season would currently have him tied for third in sacks, fifth in tackles, third in QB hits, and first in forced fumbles among Bears defensive linemen. Clearly, the Bears' defensive line hasn't set a high bar for success in the 2024 season. That's why, even though Odeyingbo's stats aren't spectacular, they would be a great addition to the Bears.

Signing Odeyingbo this offseason would be a similar move to when the Bears signed DeMarcus Walker in 2023. However, Odeyingbowould has at least three more career starts than Walker did when the Bears signed him. While that may not seem significant to some, it's important since Odeyingbo(26) will be two years younger than Walker (28) was when he joined the Bears.

Another benefit of adding Odeyingbohe is that he could help develop the Bears' younger pass rushers. Although Odeyingbo hasn't been the most prolific pass rusher in his NFL career, he still might have some useful pieces of information for young players.

Odeyingbo certainly won't solve all the Bears ' pass-rush problems, but adding him could definitely help. It will be interesting to see if the Bears go with Odeyingbo or a different veteran pass rusher this offseason.

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