The Chicago Bears? defense took a significant upswing when they acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline in 2023.
Bears Checked On Trade for Matt Judon: Report
Bears Eyed Matt Judon to Boost Pass Rush
This offseason, they added promising fifth-round edge rusher Austin Booker to a group that includes incumbents DeMarcus Walker and Dominique Robinson. But the need for another proven pass rusher cannot be overstated. The Bears ranked 31st in team sacks in 2023.
They at least checked on, former New England Patriots four-time Pro Bowler Matt Judon.
?While the #Bears were heavily involved in Matt Judon trade talks, the #Texans also showed some interest, I?m told,? ESPN?s Jeremy Fowler reported on X on August 14. ?The #Patriots had a healthy market for him, ultimately leading to a #Falcons deal.?
Judon had 4.0 sacks in four games in 2023. But he was also coming off back-to-back years of double-digit sacks with 12.5 sacks in 2021 and 15.5 sacks in 2022.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said at the outset of training camp that they would let the players develop.
Bears Have Options to Address Pass Rush
Booker has had an impressive camp and put his work on display in their two preseason games. However, he is still unproven and slight at his listed 240 pounds. Walker is on track to start opposite Sweat. But he will also see snaps at defensive tackle, which could prove taxing on the 29-year-old eighth-year pro.
Robinson remains a project entering his third NFL season. He is a former receiver who transitioned to defensive end in his third season at Miami of Ohio.
The Bears have depth options in Daniel Hardy and Jacob Martin, who has been injured.
Judon, 31, would add some more certainty for a team that is looking to improve upon its seven-win season in 2023. This is despite breaking in a rookie quarterback in No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. The Bears have dealt with injuries to their secondary in training camp and saw the overall performance of the defense suffer because of a similar situation in 2023.
Carl Lawson and former Bear Yannick Ngakoue are two of the higher-profile free agent options.
The Bears could also inquire about disgruntled New York Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick. His desire for a new contract and method of going about getting it could threaten the organizational chemistry the Bears seem to have going. though.
Bears Have Draft Capital to Make Splash Trade
Whatever route they choose, they appear dissatisfied with the current state of their pass rushing group, even if the interest in Judon was only exploratory at this point in time.
It also makes sense that Poles and Co. would stop short of meeting the price the Falcons did; a third-round pick.
However, they also have an additional second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers from the 2023 trade that also yielded DJ Moore. If Poles finds an option that better suits his vision ? which could include age as much as cost ? he has the ammunition to do so.
The Bears would still have their first, second, third, fifth, and sixth-round picks. They also have picks in the sixth round from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Houston Texans.