Should Bears sign free-agent DE Jerry Hughes?

It’s no secret that the Chicago Bears could use more veteran help at the pass-rushing position opposite Montez Sweat. Right now, underperformers like DeMarcus Walker and Dominique Robinson, and a fifth-round rookie in Austin Booker, are being tasked with supporting Sweat. One free agent edge defender that could offer immediate help is Jerry Hughes.

Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic floated Hughes’ name in a recent column, and it’s one hell of a shout. “I imagine general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus don’t need a full week of camp to know they could use another D-lineman who can get to the passer,” Fishbain wrote.“ (Yannick) Ngakoue is still available and knows the system. Emmanuel Ogbah is also a free agent. Jerry Hughes, 35, who played for Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington in Buffalo, could be an option for a season.”

As Fishbain noted, Hughes has familiarity with new Bears DC Eric Washington. Washington spent two seasons (2020-21) coaching Hughes in Buffalo. That alone could make him an intriguing target at a position of need.

The aging Hughes played a rotational role for the Houston Texans in 2022 and 2023. The Texans added several pass rushers this offseason, including Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, and now deem Hughes as surplus. They haven’t shown much interest in re-signing him with training camp approximately three weeks away.

Hughes was still effective in a reduced role last season. Pro Football Focus credited him with producing 30 quarterback pressures and 26 hurries. Hughes recorded 3.0 sacks en route to earning a stellar pass-rushing grade of 67.2. For comparative purposes, Yannick Ngakoue scored a 47.6 from PFF in that department last season.

Signing the 35-year-old Hughes would be the type of move a postseason contender would make. The Bears should feel like contenders with a franchise quarterback like Caleb Williams at the helm. Chicago’s offense is loaded with a talented supporting cast, including the deepest trio of receivers in the league. The defense has superstars at all three levels, albeit with some questions across the defensive line.

Poles should signal his 2024 aggression by signing Hughes.