Should Bears reunite with DE Yannick Ngakoue?

The Chicago Bears roster a legitimate pass-rushing star in Montez Sweat. The expectation was that general manager Ryan Poles would acquire another starting-caliber pass rusher this offseason to pair with Sweat in 2024. A straightforward solution did not arrive via free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft, however.

Poles liked former Kansas defensive end Austin Booker enough to swap a fourth-round pick in 2025 for the rights to draft him in the fifth round last month. But expecting Booker to play significant snaps as a raw rookie opposite Sweat would be a giant ask. That’s why ESPN national reporter Courtney Cronin is suggesting the Bears reunite with Yannick Ngakoue.

“Despite drafting Austin Booker in the fifth round, the Bears still have work to do to fortify their pass rush after finishing last season 31st in sacks (30) and with the lowest sack percentage in the NFL (4.64%),” Cronin wrote. “Re-signing edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who is on track to be ready for training camp after injuring his left ankle in December, remains an affordable option for the Bears to address their biggest remaining need.”

Ngakoue totaled 4.0 sacks in 13 regular-season appearances for the Bears throughout 2023, finishing second on the roster among all defensive ends in quarterback takedowns. Ngakoue suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 14. As Cronin mentioned, he should be healthy enough to return in 2024.

Pro Football Focus credited Ngakoue with 34 quarterback pressures and 26 hurries. Despite the impressive numbers, he only earned a 47.6 pass-rushing grade. There’s little question that Ngakoue would be better-suited to support Sweat than the likes of Booker or Dominque Robinson are.

The ongoing waves of free agency could still offer the Bears a solution. Removing some pressure from Sweat is key to unlocking his complete potential. Ngakoue could be available via a team-friendly and short-term contract.