The Chicago Bears are making a lot of headlines on the offense side of the game. There was a housecleaning of the offensive coaching staff. Shane Waldron was just brought in as the new offensive coordinator. Then, there’s the ongoing debate over the quarterback starting gig– Draft USC blue chip prospect Caleb Williams with their overall no. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft or keep Justin Fields and build around him?
What hasn’t received a lot of attention, though, is the Bears’ defense. And the reason for that is, probably, because the defense was outstanding over the last part of the season, shocking experts’ expectations by ranking among the best in the league following the trade deadline acquisition of defensive end Montez Sweat.
Other than the internal struggle to re-sign cornerback Jaylon Johnson, there’s not much to talk about with the defense. But that doesn’t mean the team will be standing pat when it comes to defenders.
Chicago Bears To Go Defensive In Free Agency?
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, utilizing info culled from top NFL execs, dropped a prediction regarding the Bears and soon-to-be free agent former Washington Commanders, current San Francisco 49ers defensive end Chase Young:
“Washington traded its star defensive line bookends at the 2023 trade deadline, with Sweat then thriving as the Chicago Bears’ lead rusher and Young now competing for a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers.
Chicago, in its efforts to bolster its pass rush, evaluated both Young and Sweat in the months leading up to the deadline. Sweat landed a four-year, $98 million extension with the Bears, who could spend more money in free agency to sign a pass-rusher such as Young.”
Young was selected by Washington with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and immediately delivered results when the defender out of Ohio State put up stellar numbers, earning a Pro Bowl selection and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
However, performance-limiting injuries over the next two seasons and a reported unwillingness to adapt to the new Commanders defensive scheme led to him being traded last season to the 49ers at the trade deadline for a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Since the trade, like Sweat in Chicago, Young performed well and has seem revitalized. He’ll be playing with his new team this weekend in the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers.
A Great Reunion
Bringing Young to play alongside former teammate Sweat would be a more-than-solid acquisition for Chicago. Over 16 total game on both teams this past season, Young delivered 25 tackles, 15 quarterback hits, and 7.5 sacks. Healthy and motivated, he’s proven himself to be an elite-level defensive asset and a guy who could impact the team positively, like Sweat has.
The Bears headed into this offseason with a significant amount of spending money and a reported desire to dip into the free agent market to fill in some holes on the roster.
Young has been nothing but complimentary to the 49ers organization since being brought aboard, giving kudos to the team on its positive winning culture.
“Culture,” he said back in November, when asked about the difference between San Francisco and Washington. “I see why they win. The details of each play, the details of each assignment are much greater. I see why they win.”
The Bears have been working hard to build that kind of culture in Chicago and Young would have a chance to be a key figure in establishing the foundation of a winning legacy in the historical franchise. If reports are correct, expect the Bears front office to make every effort to bring the talented defensive end to the team.
