With OTAs on the horizon later this month, it's becoming crunch time for many free agents hoping to join a new team ahead of the 2025 season. One of those players is former Chicago Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker.
Walker spent two years with the Bears before the team cut the veteran defender in February. It was a shocking move, given that Walker was entering the last year of his three-year, $21 million deal. The Bears reportedly freed up $5.25 million by cutting Walker.
The veteran defender didn’t play badly last season in the Windy City. He racked up 47 combined tackles, 16 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks in 17 games. Walker also had a 61.3 pass rush grade (94th among 211 EDGEs) and a 62.3 run defense grade (90th), per Pro Football Focus.
However, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen must’ve felt that Walker wouldn’t fit their scheme. That said, Walker now has a chance to stay in the NFC North and possibly sign with the Lions.
The veteran defender reportedly met with the Detroit Lions last month before the 2025 NFL Draft. Nothing came from the visit, but Walker could circle back and try to join the Lions, who could use veteran pass-rushing help.
The Lions somewhat addressed their defensive line with the selections of Tyleik Williams in the first round and Ahmad Hassanein in the sixth round.
Williams and Hassanein should help Detroit’s d-line depth, but they need more veterans as their defense got ravaged by injuries last season.
The Lions don’t want to be in the same spot this season, so why not sign a veteran defensive end who has been healthy for the last three seasons? Walker could be a steal on a one-year deal, especially with the team not kicking the tires on Za’Darius Smith, Matthew Judon, or Von Miller.
If Walker were to sign with the Lions for a one-year deal and ball out, he could land a nice multi-year deal in free agency next year. That said, we’ll see what happens next for the former Bear who hopes to sign with a new team soon.