Bears may not be done adding help to pass rush

You have to give Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles credit. He hasn’t checked out of the 2023 season despite the team’s atrocious 3-8 record. He’s still looking for ways to improve the roster even with playoff hopes done and dusted.

One player who would be an upgrade for this Bears team is former Eagles edge rusher Derek Barnett, who was waived by Philadelphia on November 24. Chicago is rumored to be a front-runner for his services.

On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and said the Bears have been interested in Barnett since the 2023 trade deadline when they considered making a move for him. Instead, they landed Montez Sweat.

With Barnett on waivers, the Bears will have one of the first cracks at signing him.

The Chicago Bears are a team to keep your eye on regarding recently waived pass rusher Derek Barnett.

The Bears had trade discussions with the Eagles about Barnett before they waived him.

(Via @AdamSchefter on @PatMcAfeeShow)

— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) November 27, 2023

The Eagles selected Barnett with the 14th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He started 45 games for Philly, totaling 21.5 sacks along the way. He missed almost the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL suffered in Week 1.

“The Eagles organization would like to thank Derek for his contributions to this team over the last seven seasons,” the Eagles said in a statement announcing his release. “As a rookie, Derek made one of the most memorable plays in our Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. He has been a great teammate who always played with high energy and effort. We wish Derek nothing but the best.”

The Chicago Bears could add Barnett with an eye toward 2024. He’s only 27 years old and would be a fantastic running mate for Montez Sweat.

UPDATE:

So much for that! The Houston Texans claimed Barnett off waivers, per Adam Schefter.

Former Eagles’ defensive end Derek Barnett was claimed today on waivers by the Houston Texans, per source. pic.twitter.com/6kXOV4YQ5e

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 27, 2023