For the second straight day, the Chicago Bears introduced a set of new players to the media amid what has been an eventful free agency. After trotting out Grady Jarrett, Joe Thuney, and Jonah Jackson on Wednesday, it was Dayo Odeyingbo and Drew Dalman on Thursday.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson addressed both signings, noting Dalman’s IQ and Odeyingbo’s versatility and touting the impact both can have.
Drew Dalman Learned ‘Gold Standard’ From Bears Teammate
Dalman spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons before this offseason. He was teammates with Jarrett during that time and told Clocker Sports that the two-time Pro Bowler was the “gold standard” as a pro. Jarrett won over the media during his introduction, which only continued with Dalman’s comments.
But Dalman also spoke about incorporating those winning habits into his process.
Dalman also noted how excited he is to work with Thuney. After his intro, Dalman spoke to reporters in a more intimate, stand-up setting and spoke more about the appeal Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams had on his decision-making.
Dalman replaces Coleman Shelton, who returned to the Los Angeles Rams in free agency. The Bears’ new center will line up next to Jackson.
The Bears acquired Jackson from the Rams in a trade this offseason. Circle of the NFL
Dayo Odeyingbo Ready to Learn From Montez Sweat
Odeyingbo has been framed as a “tweener.” That is to say, he is viewed as too small to play on the interior full-time but all too slow to be a dominant pass rusher.
That has also allowed him to play both inside and out, something he said drew him to the Bears. The Bears used former starter DeMarcus Walker in a hybrid role and could use Odeyingbo similarly.
Odeyingbo is eager to learn from Montez Sweat, following him before they entered the NFL.
The Bears could still opt to select an EDGE defender in the 2025 NFL Draft. They hold the No. 10 overall pick.
They also have 2024 fifth-round draft pick Austin Booker, who can step in on third downs.
Still No Durham Smythe After Bears’ Free Agency Announcement
The Bears announced they had signed Durham Smythe on March 12, but the veteran tight end has yet to be introduced to the local media.
No reason has been given, and he eventually will go through the gantlet of questions.
Smythe signed a one-year contract, so perhaps the Bears are taking a completely different approach to the blocking specialist who has two 35-catch, 300-plus-yard seasons on his resume.