4 Edge Rushers Bears Must Target Before Regular Season

Charles Harris, Free Agent

If the Bears want to sign a free agent rather than trade for a player, they have a couple of defenders they can target. Obviously, at this point in free agency, the remaining players usually have some baggage. One of the players with the least number of red flags is Charles Harris.

Harris, who spent the last three seasons with the Detroit Lions, is still available on the market. The 29-year-old veteran was a starter to begin the 2023 season, recording two sacks in the first four weeks. Over the following weeks, he gradually lost his snaps and barely played towards the end of the season.

However, the former Missouri standout still made an impact whenever he was on the field. The high watermark for Harris was the 2021 season when he played every game and put up 65 tackles, 16 QB hits, and 7.5 sacks. The Bears shouldn't expect that kind of production obviously, but he could provide solid veteran depth for Eric Washington's defense.

Yannick Ngakoue, Free Agent

This one is difficult to understand. Ngakoue spent last season with the Bears after signing a one-year, $10.5 million deal in the offseason. He was obviously not as productive as he was with the Raiders and the Colts the years prior, but he is still a better alternative than what Chicago has in the position right now.

In 13 games last season, Ngakoue recorded 22 tackles, 7 QB hits, and four sacks. As part of the Bears defense that struggled to make any plays last season, Ngakoue struggled to stand out, earning a miserable 39.9 grade on PFF. At the same time, there isn't a better option out there in free agency. So, a reunion would likely benefit both sides.

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