Chicago Bears: 5 Edge rushers to target in 2020 NFL free agency
The Chicago Bears need someone opposite Khalil Mack to take attention and free him up to wreak havoc. Here are five free agents they could target.
Just before the 2018 season started the Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world and pulled off the deal of the year. They traded for a player many considered to be the top defensive player in the NFL — Khalil Mack. They not only acquired the All-Pro but also signed him to the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history.
That move completely changed the Bears defense. They went from being very good to being elite and the most dominant in the league. The defense helped catapult the Bears to a 12-4 record and NFC North champions.
Things didn’t go as planned in 2019. While the defense was still tough, ranking 4th in scoring, the turnovers didn’t come as they did in 2018. Also, Mack had to struggle through double and triple teams.
While he was among the leaders in quarterback hurries, he wasn’t able to get to them like we’re used to seeing. Akiem Hicks missed most of the season due to injuries and Leonard Floyd could not get out of one-on-one battles effectively. Without those two, Mack had to run through a lot of people on his way to the opponent’s backfield.
Now the Bears need to protect Mack. They invested too much capital for them not to do everything they can to make sure it pays off. They need a player who can cause damage of his own and attract attention. If the opponent chooses to cover Mack the Bears need to make them pay for it. Add a healthy Hicks and Mack ends up operating with more space and again becomes a wreaking machine for the defense.
The Bears have depth concerns at the position as other linebackers become free agents as well. That means they’ll also get some help through the draft. Depending on how the salary cap situation changes between now and the beginning of the new year we’ll find out if they prioritize acquiring a veteran to start or going after a draft prospect.
If they go after a veteran starter, here are five options the Chicago Bears could target through free agency.