3 Pass Rushers the Chicago Bears Could Still Sign In Free Agency

The Chicago Bears achieved a lot throughout the first wave of free agency. General manager Ryan Poles signed instant starters such as safety Kevin Byard and running back D’Andre Swift. Poles also traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers.

One position that’s surprisingly gone unaddressed is the EDGE spot opposite Montez Sweat. The consensus belief was that the Bears would aggressively pursue a difference-maker like Danielle Hunter or Jonathan Greenard. That thought didn’t come to fruition, and all high-level free agents have signed elsewhere. Various veteran contributors remain available. We’ve identified three EDGE defenders Poles could target during free agency’s second wave.

DEREK BARNETT, HOUSTON TEXANS

A former first-round pick, Derek Barnett revived his career midway through the 2023 campaign. Barnett was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles, his long-term team, and latched on with DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans. From Week 14 onward, Barnett earned an 86.1 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus while posting a 22.7% pass-rush win rate. Barnett accumulated 2.5 sacks and nine additional quarterback hits throughout that time frame. Barnett is a better all-around player than Yannick Ngakoue was last season.

EMMANUEL OGBAH, MIAMI DOLPHINS

Emmanuel Ogbah returned to the field as a rotational rusher in 2023 after suffering a season-ending triceps injury in 2022. The cap-strapped Dolphins released Ogbah approximately one month ago. Ogbah graded out poorly against the run last season, but he did amass six sacks, showcasing enough remaining juice to make an impact. The Bears could utilize Ogbah on third-and-obvious passing downs.

MIKE DANNA, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Mike Danna is particularly intriguing as a 26-year-old defensive end with three-down abilities. Danna isn’t the most explosive player, but he’s technically sound and savvy, executes his assignments, and stops the run on early downs. Danna recorded a career-high 6.5 sacks this past season, appropriately building on a five-sack season in 2022.