With the start of the season just around the corner, the Chicago Bears continue to make moves. As reported by Aaron Wilson, they removed Bill Murray and Ian Wheeler from Injured Reserve with injury settlements.
Also, ESPN insider Field Yates pointed out on Wednesday that they restructured Jaylon Johnson's deal, freeing up $8 million more in cap space. That puts the team in the $9.3 million range in available cap space ahead of the start of the season.
This sets up Chicago to add a big-name reinforcement for the start of the season, and there's one position in particular they could target.
The Bears Could Bolster Their Pass-Rush
Ben Johnson inherits a capable defense from the Matt Eberflus era, but even good things can be better. Also, the team has a clear need at defensive end, with Montez Sweat as the only clear-cut star at the position.
The Bears recently placed second-year pro Austin Booker on Injured Reserve with a knee injury, meaning he won't be eligible to suit up for the first four weeks of the season. He was having a strong preseason and was a strong candidate to start, and his absence leaves a big void on the defense.
The Bears are aware of that, which is why they will host former New Orleans Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey for a visit this week, as per a previous report. However, they could do a little better. Za'Darius Smith is a free agent, and with the recently freed cap space, they should make a run at him.
The Bears Should Sign Za'Darius Smith
Smith is still a free agent, and while he's not getting any younger, he proved to be quite productive in the second half of last season with the Detroit Lions, piling up 12 tackles and 4.0 sacks with one pass defended in eight games (seven starts) for Dan Campbell's team.
He's a proven pass-rusher with a great nose for the ball and getting to the opposing quarterback, and he would give this team another dynamic player on the edge while Booker works his way back to the field.
Given his current status, the Bears might be able to lure him at a discount, and he would give them a solid depth piece for the remainder of the season even when Booker is back on the field.
Smith knows the division inside out, since he's played for all three other NFC North teams. The table is set for him to play for the only team remaining and reunite with Ben Johnson in the Windy City.