6 Bears Defenders on Thin Ice After Eric Washington Hiring

4. DeMarcus Walker, Defensive End

A second-round pick for the Denver Broncos in 2017, DeMarcus Walker never lived up to his status in the Mile High City. He then spent a year in Houston before heading to the Tennessee Titans in 2022 where the light bulb seemed to come on.

With Tennessee, he registered 32 tackles and seven sacks which led to Chicago signing him to a three-year deal worth $21 million. They felt this would give them a strong 280-pounder on the end of their defensive line, while also offering some flexibility since he could play inside as well.

Walker wound up starting 12 games while appearing in all 17 but wasn't the impact player they hoped for. He finished with 30 tackles and just 3.5 sacks — although he did have 22 pressures and hit the opposing quarterback 16 times. The problem was he just didn't finish the play as often as he did while with Tennessee.

Considering Eric Washington's background is with the defensive line, players such as Walker will be under the microscope. We all know what he's capable of and the Bears are paying him to deliver. Washington will do what he can to get the most out of Walker but he's another player who could be in danger should he fail to deliver.