Bears 2024 training camp preview: EDGE

The Chicago Bears began successfully revamping the EDGE position when they acquired Montez Sweat during the 2023 season. Sweat was electric for the Bears, recording a team-high 6.0 sacks despite making just nine regular-season appearances following his midseason trade from the Washington Commanders. The sky’s the limit for him entering his first complete campaign in Chicago in 2024.

The Bears are scheduled to enter training camp with 10 defensive ends/EDGE defenders on the 90-man roster. Several veterans, ascending talents, and even undrafted free agents are vying for back-end positioning. Let’s assess the Chicago Bears’ EDGE rushers ahead of training camp.

Montez Sweat

Sweat totaled 12.5 sacks last season while splitting time with Washington and Chicago, a mark that ranked 10th in the entire league. Sweat was dominant for the Bears, accumulating 37 pressures in just nine appearances for Matt Eberflus’ defense. The former first-round pick should be unblockable for the Bears throughout the 2024 campaign.

DeMarcus Walker

DeMarcus Walker recorded 3.5 sacks last season, failing to meet expectations of the three-year, $21 million contract he signed with the Bears in free agency. Pro Football Focus credited Walker with producing 47 quarterback pressures en route to a 64.0 pass-rushing grade. He also accumulated 31 hurries and 12 QB hits, and 19 total run stops. He’s entering training camp as an expected starter.

Austin Booker

Ryan Poles really wanted to draft Austin Booker. Poles parted with a 2025 fourth-round pick in order to select Booker in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. How quickly the rookie pass-rusher from Kansas makes an impact will be determined by his form throughout training camp and the preseason.

Dominique Robinson

Dominique Robinson played less for the Bears as a sophomore in 2023 compared to his rookie 2022 season. He was more of a rotational defender, playing just 242 snaps, failing to make an impact in a limited role. Robinson enters training camp firmly on the roster bubble.

Jacob Martin

Jacob Martin signed a one-year contract with the Bears in free agency. He’s been a veteran journeyman since entering the league as a sixth-round pick in the 2018 draft, spending the majority of 2023 with the Indianapolis Colts last season. Martin will attempt to secure a reserve role.

Khalid Kareem

Khalid Kareem enters training camp vying for the No. 3 edge role behind Sweat and Walker. His main contenders for that spot are Booker and Robinson. The Bears signed Kareem to a reserve/futures contract earlier this January after claiming him off waivers last season.

Byron Cowart

Poles signed Byron Cowart to a one-year contract earlier this offseason. Cowart spent portions of 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, and Miami Dolphins. He’s a veteran rotational player that could bring experience and leadership to a young defensive line room.

Daniel Hardy

Daniel Hardy entered the league as a seventh-round selection of the Los Angeles Rams in the 2022 NFL Draft. He joined the Bears’ practice squad last August, and signed a reserve/futures contract in January. Hardy will attempt to showcase growth and prove he’s ready for the 53-man roster.

Jamree Kromah

Jamree Kromah is a rookie undrafted free agent. He was a big-time producer in college, totaling 11 sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss at James Madison last season. Kromah is striving to prove that his eye-popping production will translate to the pro ranks. He could use some seasoning, making him a likely candidate for the practice squad.

Dashaun Mallory

Dashaun Mallory is another undrafted rookie free agent. He split time playing defensive tackle and defensive end at Michigan State and Arizona State throughout his career. Mallory recorded 48 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks for the Sun Devils’ defense last season.