Bears Pass Rush Options With Yannick Ngakoue Out For The Year
The Chicago Bears defense has been clicking on all cylinders for the past month. Much of the credit goes to their reinvigorated pass rusher, headlined by new arrival Montez Sweat. However, that success doesn’t happen without the reliable presence of Yannick Ngakoue. His speed rush opposite Sweat was vital to the Bears’ success. Sadly, that formula won’t work anymore. News dropped Wednesday that the veteran pass rusher is done for the year with a broken ankle.
The team may look to rely on their depth the rest of the way, hoping Rasheem Green and DeMarcus Walker can fill the void. However, depth is vital for this unit to function. So it wouldn’t be a surprise if they brought in a veteran to help them out down the stretch. Here are some names to watch.
Free agents who can replace Yannick Ngakoue:
Carlos Dunlap
It’s hard to know if the 34-year-old is interested in returning. He finally got his Super Bowl ring last year with Kansas City. He’s made his money. Aside from wanting to play, there really isn’t much to lure him in. Still, the guy remains an effective presence at defensive end. His size, power, and length fit Matt Eberflus’ defensive identity. From his perspective, he could make a nice payday for only four games of work, presuming he’s still in shape despite not playing most of the season.
Robert Quinn
The Bears traded the former Pro Bowler away last year as they got on with a rebuild. He didn’t do much in Philadelphia, dealing with nagging injuries and being stuck on a loaded depth chart. Quinn hasn’t played this year but hasn’t retired. The good news is he should be healthy and well-rested. He knows Chicago. Fitting the scheme wouldn’t be an issue for him. It comes down to whether he has any gas left in the tank.
Practice squad options:
Kerry Hyder
The former undrafted free agent has had one of the more unique careers. He had eight sacks in his second season, then vanished for two years. Hyder then resurfaced with San Francisco in 2020, where he had another 8.5 sacks. Since then, he’s again gone quiet. There haven’t been many opportunities to play this season as he’s stuck on Houston’s practice squad. His inside-outside versatility would be appealing to the Bears if nothing else. Eberflus can get creative with Yannick Ngakoue out.
Bruce Irvin
The ageless wonder resurfaced in Detroit over a week ago, notching a sack for the Lions in a win over New Orleans. However, the team chose to move him back to the practice squad rather than keep him on the main roster. This offers the Bears an opportunity. Irvin isn’t a full-time starter anymore, but he still has some of that speed that made him so dangerous eight years ago. That would serve well across from Sweat.