Bears Free-Agent Option Emerges After Release of Browns Edge Rusher

The Chicago Bears may have just lucked into another free-agent option for their defensive line if they want to add another pass rusher before training camp.

Last Thursday, the Cleveland Browns released veteran defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo from their 90-man roster in a cap-related move that cleared $3.3 million in cap space. The 30-year-old had played in 30 games for their defensive line over the past two years and now re-enters free agency looking to find another landing spot for the 2025 season.

Conveniently, Okoronkwo might be exactly the right rotational player for the Bears to add to their roster before camp, given his experience and willingness to play the role.

The Bears signed veteran Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency to give themselves another starter opposite veteran Montez Sweat. They are also hoping 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker can take the next step, but they do not have a reliable fourth man for their rotation — which could get ugly if Booker falls short.

To make things more competitive, the Bears should call Okoronkwo’s representation and explore the possibility of a signing before the start of training camp in late July.

Ogbo Okoronkwo Could Bolster Bears’ Edge Rotation

Okoronkwo is not a heavy-hitting edge rusher in the same league as Trey Hendrickson. In terms of sack production, he is also not as accomplished as other free-agent options from which the Bears can choose, such as veterans Za’Darius Smith or Matthew Judon.

For what the Bears need, though, Okoronkwo could be perfect.

Over the past two seasons, Okoronkwo has delivered modest production in a rotational role for the Browns’ defensive line, tallying 54 tackles, 7.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. He also did so while playing fewer than 500 defensive snaps for the Browns in each season, which is attractive to a defense looking to add a veteran but not a new starter.

In Chicago, Okoronkwo would be eyeing the No. 3 role in the rotation behind Sweat and Odeyingbo and competing with Booker for reps throughout training camp. Again, he is not a signing who would add an undeniable talent to the Bears defense, but he may still provide a necessary upgrade to Dennis Allen’s pass-rush-focused defense in 2025.

Would Bears Prefer to Let Current DEs Battle it Out?

While the Bears could — and probably should — call to check in on Okoronkwo before the start of training camp next month, there is no clear indication that they want to add another pass rusher to their roster. They may even feel that what they’ve got is enough.

With two presumed starters in Sweat and Odeyingbo, the Bears are really only looking for the third and fourth members of their rotation. And unless Booker shows no growth, they will likely count on him for one of the two available spots in their rotation in 2025. That essentially leaves just one spot up for grabs: one that may play more special teams.

If that is the case, then Daniel Hardy might be their preferred choice. He logged 370 snaps for Richard Hightower’s special-teams unit in 2024, recording a team-high 11 special-teams tackles and adding a blocked field goal and a forced fumble to his ledger.

Then again, Bears head coach Ben Johnson acknowledged in the spring that they are assessing Hardy’s ability to play linebacker, specifically to see whether he can drop into coverage for them and potentially compete for the strong-side role that is available.

If Hardy shows too much promise to keep on the line, the Bears will either have to pivot to Dominique Robinson and hit up the free-agent market to find alternative solutions.