The Chicago Bears spent over $151 million in free agency this spring as they looked to fix the problems that led to a 5-12 record in 2024. Part of that investment was made along the defensive line with hopes that the Bears could get to the quarterback more often under new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
While Grady Jackson has been a disappointment after coming over in free agency, the Bears’ real buyer’s remorse came from Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed a three-year $48 million contract with Chicago last March.
Odeyingbo’s performance made him a candidate to be traded or released after one season with the Bears. But things have changed after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that Odyingbo suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
With Odeyinbo’s future murky to begin with, Sunday’s injury creates some real doubts about his time in Chicago. But it also gives the Bears some clarity moving forward with a chance to move on and create opportunities for players further down the depth chart.
Injury, Cap Hit Put Dayo Odeyingbo’s Future with Bears in Serious Doubt
Odeyingbo’s time in Chicago was a mystery before the injury. Signed as a player that the front office had identified as an ascending talent, Odeyingbo didn’t live up to the hype with one sack in his first eight games, coming in the season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Pro Football Focus also painted a rough picture as Odeyingbo had 10 pressures on 207 pass-rushing snaps and a pass rush win rate of 8.9%.
While Over The Cap gave Odeyingbo a valuation ($8.86 million) that exceeds his $8 million cap hit for this season, his $20.5 million cap number for 2026 was rich for a healthy player with limited production. Now likely to miss part of next season, that number looks completely unreasonable and gives Chicago an excuse to move on.
If the Bears decide to release Odeyingbo before June 1, they’ll face a $1.5 million penalty against the cap and eat $22 million worth of dead money. If Chicago designates it as a post-June 1 move, they’ll eat $17.5 million in dead money and save $3 million against the 2026 salary cap.
With $2.8 million in cap space for next season per Over The Cap, the Bears would be wise to create some extra money. Assuming they don’t make a trade ahead of Tuesday’s deadline or give Austin Booker an expanded role when he returns from injury, Chicago can also tap into several options available to them next offseason.
Next year’s free agent class has some intriguing names at the top, with Trey Hendrickson leading the way alongside former Bear Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The Bears could also take a look at next year’s draft class, which is highlighted by Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Clemson’s T.J. Parker, and Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei.
If Odeyingbo were healthy, it could have enticed the Bears to give him one more shot in 2025. But with Odeyingbo on the shelf and likely to miss a chunk of next season, it’s a clear sign to move on and explore other options.