Former Chicago Bears defensive end DeMarcus Walker worked out with the Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers this past month, with the tryout in D.C. taking place this last week, according to NFL Trade Rumors. Much to his dismay, though, Walker remains unsigned still.
The Commanders lost defensive ends Deatrich Wise Jr. (quadriceps) and Dorance Armstrong Jr. (knee) to season-ending injuries. Meanwhile, the Niners have been without Yetur Gross-Matos since Week 5, Bryce Huff since the 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons, while Sam Okuayinonu was injured in their 26-15 loss to the Houston Texans this past week. Even if those two teams didn't want to bite, the Philadelphia Eagles looked like an obvious landing spot with the sudden retirement of Za’Darius Smith. Alas, no bites.
Walker was a solid hand in Chicago and looked like a strong candidate to join one of the many NFL teams that could use some depth in the defensive trenches, with attrition striking everyone's roster two months into the season. The aforementioned teams weren't the only options.
What gives?
NFL Teams May Fear Buyer's Remorse on DeMarcus Walker
It's possible Walker is looking good in these workouts, but things are falling apart at the negotiation table. Walker's release from the Bears had everything to do with the financials of his three-year, $21 million contract signed in 2023.
“I got some people nearly aghast that they would consider releasing Demarcus Walker because of their depth situation on the line,” Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune explained on 670 The Score‘s “Mully & Hugh Show" back in February. “And I’m like, if the guy’s not worth your $7 million a year contract, why are you keeping them? How’s he making you better?”
“Grand total of seven sacks over the last two seasons. Listen, he answered the bell. He was out there every Sunday, 17 games, each of the past two seasons. But he’s not a difference maker. They overpaid him when he arrived, and they’ve got to get better. Like, keeping him as some rotational piece doesn’t make you a better football team. They need to find some help on the defensive line. There’s no question about that.”
Walker may have to accept a new standing in the NFL's hierarchy after getting his pay dirt in Chicago. Perhaps playing for cheap for the rest of the season somewhere could help him land a long-term deal, with whoever he lands with or somewhere else, this offseason.
If not, and he has his sights set on a major payday, it could be a while before Walker puts pen to paper.