Whilst the offensive line was a key area of focus this offseason, the Chicago Bears are still lacking on the opposite side of the trenches: the defensive line.
A unit that was well below par in 2024, the Bears’ defensive line came 24th in pass rush win rate, and 29th in run stop win rate, per ESPN.
And although former Falcons interior defender, Grady Jarrett was added to the mix at defensive tackle alongside second round rookie, Shemar Turner, the exterior of the line still leaves much to desire.
Ex Colt, Dayo Odeyingbo, was signed to a three year, $48 million deal, despite having just 16.5 career sacks in four years – and no double-digit sack seasons. But beyond Odeyingbo and Pro Bowler, Montez Sweat, the team has very little to offer at the position, with virtually no quality depth behind the pair.
So it makes sense that Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report points to edge rusher as #1 need for the Bears to add players to this offseason.
And Knox points to – amongst a couple of other names – former Defensive Player of the Year, Von Miller as a possible addition to the room.
“Defensively, Chicago could use another pass-rusher in its rotation.” Knox writes, “The Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo to complement Montez Sweat, but the edge depth behind those two is questionable.
Fortunately, proven pass-rushers like Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Von Miller remain unsigned. It would be smart to add one of them before the start of camp.”
Could Von Miller Head To The Chicago Bears?
Von Miller is not the only name on that list, but he is certainly the most notable and the most accomplished.
Former NFC North division rivals with the Green Bay Packers, Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith could make handy additions, but both are facing declines over the past couple of seasons, with Preston Smith in particular having failed to accumulate more than three sacks in either of the past two seasons – despite having not missed a game.
Za’Darius Smith could complete the NFC North quadruple by joining the Bears, having had stints at both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings since his departure from Wisconsin after the 2021 season.
Von Miller is no spring chicken either, and does have some injury concerns over the past couple of years. But he has also displayed impressive capabilities when on the field as recently as last season, where he garnered an 82.4 grade from Pro Football Focus, good for the 15th best edge rusher in football in 2024.
What Role Would Miller Hold In Chicago?
Even though Odeyingbo was signed far more for his future upside than previously displayed talent, Miller would be the #3 rusher on the team at this stage of his career – at least in terms of snap counts.
Yet, at critical junctures in games, it would not be shocking if head coach, Ben Johnson, and new defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, opted for the past Super Bowl MVP over Odeyingbo.
Chicago would need to manage his snap counts and cross their fingers that he does not get hurt. But, if the team really has post-season ambitions in 2025 – a Von Miller acquisition could well be a smart play.
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