It wasn’t a secret the Chicago Bears would go hunting for pass rusher help in free agency. They needed another defensive end opposite Montez Sweat. DeMarcus Walker couldn’t fill that void. Darrell Taylor was more of a rotational option, and Austin Booker is still a work in progress. There were some fascinating options available on the market, including Chase Young, Harold Landry, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Josh Sweat. However, the team pulled a minor surprise by opting for Dayo Odenyingbo instead.
Lakers vs. Bucks & NBA Doubleheader Highlights Tonight
Their interest in him was easy to understand. He’d put together back-to-back strong seasons for the Indianapolis Colts, collecting 11 sacks and 34 QB hits. His massive 6’6, 286 lbs frame fit what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen usually prefers. The tricky part was convincing him to join the team for what turned out to be slightly below his projected contract number. Apparently, it came down to how they answered the only question he brought up to them. Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com learned what it was.
While Odeyingbo noted that there was “really nowhere else I’d rather be” than Chicago, he did ask the Bears one key question during the free agency process: What is the vision for this team?
From top to bottom, everyone Odeyingbo spoke with expressed the same sentiment.
“The goal is to bring a Lombardi [Trophy] to this city,” Odeyingbo said. “That was big for me. I want to have a meaningful career. I want to leave a legacy in the NFL. I don’t want to just collect checks. I want to be a part of a winning culture and a winning organization.”
Dayo Odeyingbo clearly felt the Bears were eager to win.
Every NFL player wants to make his money. On average, most only get one shot at a big contract. This year was Odeyingbo’s. He easily could’ve gone to whichever team offered him the most. However, certain players might be willing to sacrifice some financial gain if they sense a team is committed to winning. He got that vibe from speaking with Poles and head coach Ben Johnson. It explains why the contract he signed came across as surprisingly team-friendly. While Dayo Odenyingbo is not a star, his impact will be felt regardless. His power, length, and ability to squeeze the pocket will make life so much easier for Sweat, Gervon Dexter, and Grady Jarrett. If they can add one more speed rusher to the mix, this pass rush will be something to watch.
