Bears bolster defensive line in trade with Seahawks

The Chicago Bears made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, receiving defensive end Darrell Taylor in exchange for a 2025 sixth-round draft pick.

Taylor, 27, has spent the last three seasons with the Seahawks after he was selected 48th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. In 49 games, the defensive end has recorded 67 tackles, 21.5 sacks and forced five fumbles.

The move further boosts Chicago's pass rush, as Taylor played linebacker for the Seahawks but will shift to the defensive line with the Bears' 3-4 base defensive scheme.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said on 670 The Score "it's exciting" for the team to acquire Taylor.

"He's got sack production, a really good pass rusher. He fits our scheme in terms of his effort, his style, his disposition," Eberflus said on Friday.

It was to be expected for the Bears to continue to keep their eyes open around the league for further pass rush help after Matthew Judon ultimately was traded from the New England Patriots to the Atlanta Falcons.

It was revealed in the latest "Hard Knocks" episode that general manager Ryan Poles and the Bears front office didn't want to get a deal done with Judon unless he signed an extension, as he's due to essentially be a one-year rental.

Related: Bears GM Ryan Poles shares thoughts on Matthew Judon trade process, outcome on 'Hard Knocks'

Related: Report: Bears among teams who showed interest in Matthew Judon

According to Pro Football Focus, Taylor was given an OK 58.7 pass-rush grade in 2023 but a rough 45.2 run defense grade, putting his overall grade at 50.9. It's clear Chicago is bringing him on to be a situational edge rusher, something the Seahawks didn't want to pay $3.116 million for.

The Bears also have DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson and Austin Booker that will be seeing time at the edge rush position, opposite of Montez Sweat on the other side of the defensive line.

Last season, Chicago finished among the lowest ranked in the pass rushing category, finishing with the lowest sack percentage (4.64%) and second-fewest sacks (30) for the season.