Bears News: Land 16.5-Sack Artist, Reuniting With Defensive Coordinator

   

The Chicago Bears could still address their EDGE depth this offseason, despite already having Montez Sweat and signing Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency. Their top three backups, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, and Dominique Robinson, do not have the most sacks, and neither player has played over 35 games. Booker recorded 1.5 sacks in 17 games in his rookie season, while Hardy has zero sacks in 23 games, and Robinson has two sacks in 34 games.

Because of this, the Bears could add a veteran.

The Chicago Bears are linked to a veteran pass rusher

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Nov 13, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (90) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Tanoh Kpassagnon is one of the most underrated free-agent EDGE rushers available and has familiarity with the Bears’ defensive coordinator. He played for the New Orleans Saints for the last four years, during which Dennis Allen served as the defensive coordinator in 2021 and as the head coach from 2022 to 2024 before getting fired in Week 9. Kpassagnon missed the first 14 games of the 2024 season to recover from an Achilles tear sustained in spring workouts and recorded one tackle and one quarterback hit over the final three games.

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Aug 20, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) looks on against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

According to Ian Rapoport, the Bears have signed two veterans before the start of training camp, including Tanoh Kpassagnon. The former Kansas City Chief and New Orleans Saint will compete for a key backup and rotational role on their defensive line.


Here’s a look at the Chicago Bears’ EDGE depth

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Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Montez Sweat (98) applies pressure to Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the first half forcing an incomplete pass at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
  • Montez Sweat
  • Dayo Odeyingbo
  • Austin Booker
  • Tanoh Kpassagnon
  • Daniel Hardy
  • Dominique Robinson
  • Jamree Kromah
  • Xavier Carlton

Since the Bears operate as a 4-3, they could keep anywhere from five to seven EDGE rushers on the 53-man roster.