Buzz Growing Chicago Bears May Have Another Pass Rush Option

At this point, it isn’t a secret that the Chicago Bears know they need pass rush help. Running it back with Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson feels ill-advised after the two underwhelmed last season. Maybe DeMarcus Walker will help, but he’s expected to shift inside and outside. They still don’t have a proven edge rusher. Veterans like Frank Clark, Yannick Ngakoue, and Jadeveon Clowney remain available. Perhaps Ryan Poles will look at one of them. However, in a recent interview, he indicated that the trade market is another avenue he’s exploring.

Everybody talks about Chase Young. Sadly that doesn’t appear realistic. If Poles does make a move, it might be for somebody less noteworthy—this a where a development in New York comes into play. The Jets reworked the contract of veteran edge rusher Carl Lawson. This ensures he will stay put with the team after months of speculation he might be out. While great for him, it creates a log jam at the position. New York also has John Franklin-Myers and two 1st round picks in Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald.

One person that won’t make happy is Bryce Huff, their former undrafted free agent from 2020. Some believe Lawson’s contract move makes the 25-year-old available.

The Chicago Bears have every reason to like Huff.

He’s on a rookie contract and only now entering his prime. New York has utilized him as a rotational pass rusher, which means his body doesn’t have the usual wear and tear of somebody entering his fourth year. He’s played 555 pass rush snaps in his career thus far. Huff has 67 pressures, 7.5 sacks, and 22 quarterback hits over that span. His 88 pass rush grade in 2022 was the best of his career, indicating his steady ascent. It feels like he is ready to get an opportunity to start. Since that won’t happen in New York, it may have to be somewhere else.

The Chicago Bears have a wide open defensive end room. Nobody on this roster can be considered a lock to start. They also feature a defensive system that would understand how to utilize Huff to the best of his abilities. While his size might be smaller than they prefer, he has the length and speed they seek. This comes down to what the Jets do. They’ve been reluctant to unload players in the past. So if a move happens, Huff may have to force it. The price tag shouldn’t be too high.