Among the Chicago Bears’ myriad moves this offseason was the signing of former Indianapolis Colts second-round draft pick and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency. As his regular-season debut with his new team approaches, Odeyingbo is clear about what he wants to do in a game against an NFL North rival.
He will face a lofty challenge right out of the gate against the Minnesota Vikings, but Odeyingbo is looking to do more than just make an impact.
Odeyingbo is looking to dominate for the Bears.
Dayo Odeyingbo Eyeing Domination in Bears Regular-Season Opener
Bears DE Dayo Odeyingbo Wants to be ‘Dominant’
Odeyingbo signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Bears in free agency after four seasons with the Colts. Listed on the team’s website at 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, Odeyingbo fits the mold of what Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen wants in his ends.
Moreover, Odeyingbo fits the approach that Allen and the Bears want.
Despite a relatively soft-spoken nature with the media, Odeyingbo did not shy away from declaring what he wanted his mark to be on Monday night (and beyond).
“Dominant,” Odeyingbo told Clocker Sports on Saturday.
Odeyingbo’s comments may not seem striking on the surface. But this is a player whose career high in sacks was 8.0, which came in 2023, and who has had a quiet training camp relative to some of his defensive linemates.
Still, he is locked on his goal to show “consistency, play in and play out, physicality, and just dominant football play.”
That makes Odeyingbo a fine fit, at least in his approach with Allen.
Odeyingbo, who cited the “aggressiveness” and “playing on the attack” as specific aspects of the scheme that he likes, also spoke about his growth in his first offseason program and training camp with the Bears when asked directly.
“I would just say growing within the scheme, and growing within this defense, and this team,” Odeyingbo told Clocker Sports.
“Every situation is different, so just adjusting to that and growing in that room.”
Dayo Odeyingbo: ‘Monday Night Football’ an ‘Exciting Opportunity’
Odeyingbo, who played for former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, then the Colts’ defensive coordinator, as a rookie, started a career-high 14 games for the Colts in 2024. That team played one game in prime time in 2024, ironically, a 21-13 loss to the Vikings.
The Bears, who were 5-12, had three primetime games in 2024. They were 0-3 in those games, including a 30-12 Week 15 loss to the Vikings.
Odeyingbo spoke about the excitement of the opener and “Monday Night Football.”
“It’s for real now. It’s exciting to be on a new team,” Odeyingbo told Clocker Sports. “The games count now. So, you gotta take [the energy level] up that extra gear, and, especially, on “Monday Night Football.” It’s an exciting opportunity.”
The Bears need Odeyingbo to be the proper complement for bookend Montez Sweat, about whom the newcomer cited length, use of rush moves, and speed as standout qualities. If the duo delivers, the Bears’ defense should have a good night on the national stage.