The Chicago Bears have turned their attention to the defense after adding three interior offensive linemen in free agency. The Bears’ next target unit was the defensive line with Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency.
A second-round pick by the Colts in 2021, Odeyingbo spent one season under former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
Now, Odeyingbo projects to bookend Montez Sweat under new Bears HC, Ben Johnson.
“BREAKING: Free agent DT Dayo Odeyingbo is signing with the #Bears, multiple sources tell @NFLonFOX,” Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported on X on March 10. “One of the NFL’s premier young interior defenders cashes in.”
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth $48 million with $32 million guaranteed. That makes Odeyingbo the 17th highest-paid EDGE in total value and 16th in total guarantees before all the new free agency numbers are calculated.
The Athletic’s David DeChant, Jourdan Rodrigue, and Vic Tafur ranked Odeyingbo as the EDGE7 heading into free agency, and the No. 59 overall projected available player.
That should not preclude them from adding another pass rusher in the draft.
Bears EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo Comes With Question Marks
Odeyingbo recorded 3.0 sacks in 2024, his fewest since his rookie season. He had 8.0 sacks in 2023, but inconsistency left questions about his free agency.
“Odeyingbo is going to get paid. He looks great on paper: massive frame (including 35-inch arms), 34 QB hits the past two seasons, doesn’t turn 26 until September. He flashes on film, too, especially as a pass rusher,” The Athletic’s staff wrote in February. “The question is whether Odeyingbo will get overpaid, as his play doesn’t yet match his traits. He’s a bit of a tweener — despite his size, he lacks the play strength to bump inside full-time, but he’s sluggish on the edge, especially against the run, where he needs to improve his technique and awareness.
“Even so, Odeyingbo’s ceiling is high. He’s already a disruptive pass rusher despite lacking a good bull rush, and he’s started only 19 games. His best is probably still ahead of him.”
Montez Sweat Gets New Running Mate
The Bears traded for Sweat and rewarded him with a contract extension in 2023. But they failed to properly address the other DE spot, leading to a regression from the former Washington Commanders star.
Outgoing veteran DeMarcus Walker and 2024 fifth-round pick Austin Booker were the best of the bunch, with 2024 trade deadline acquisition Darrell Taylor providing a spark sporadically.
In Odeyingbo, the Bears hope they finally have a proper compliment to their star, Sweat.