The Chicago Bears could be eyeing another move to strengthen their defensive front, as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Atlanta Falcons edge rusher Arnold Ebiketie has continued to draw trade interest dating back to the offseason. Now, as the NFL trade deadline quickly approaches, the Bears have been named as a top trade fit by ESPN for the Falcons’ pass rusher.
While Atlanta isn’t actively shopping the Ebiketie, they are reportedly willing to listen to offers, which opens the door for the Bears, who could look to provide a boost to their pass rush midway through the 2025 season.
A Productive Pass Rusher Seeking More Opportunities
Ebiketie, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 250 pounds, has been a quietly effective pass rusher since entering the league. In each of his last two seasons, he recorded six sacks, which is impressive considering his rotational role in Atlanta’s defense.
According to Falcons writer Will McFadden, five of those six sacks in 2024 came after the team’s bye week, showing a late-season surge in productivity and consistency. McFadden also noted that Ebiketie himself felt he “left some on the table.”
That opportunity, however, has become increasingly difficult to come by in Atlanta. The Falcons invested heavily in their pass rush this offseason, drafting rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. in the first round, both of whom are expected to be foundational pieces of their defense moving forward. As a result, the former 2022 second-round pick has found himself short on opportunities this season.
For Chicago, this situation presents a perfect opportunity. The Bears’ pass rush remains one of the few areas in need of reinforcement, and with the Bears’ cap space at just $8.6 million according to Over the Cap, the team might not go after high-profile pass rushers at the NFL trade deadline.
Why Arnold Ebiketie Fits What Chicago Needs
Ebiketie’s profile lines up well with what head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen look for in their edge rushers. He plays with a low center of gravity and has the short-area quickness to win off the line. Ebiketie’s tape shows a linear, explosive motor that he converts speed into power to get to the quarterback.
Despite not registering a sack yet this season, Ebiketie’s past production suggests he could thrive in a system that leans more heavily on four-man fronts and rotational pressure packages.
For general manager Ryan Poles, the move would also align with the Bears’ long-term vision. Ebiketie is on an expiring rookie deal, meaning Chicago could acquire him for a late-round draft pick without taking on a significant salary. If he performs well, the Bears could then explore a contract extension, similar to what they did with Montez Sweat after acquiring him from Washington, but at a cheaper cost.
Ultimately, a potential trade for Arnold Ebiketie would represent a low-risk, high-upside move for the Bears. If Chicago is serious about making a playoff push in 2025, bringing in Ebiketie could be the move that helps their defense take the next step.
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