Offseason outlook: Budding line must anchor Bears' defense in 2024

(670 The Score) The identity of Matt Eberflus’ defensive identity starts up front with a stout line.

Since becoming the Bears’ head coach two years ago, Eberflus has overseen the development of this defense into a promising unit. But this group can still make necessary personnel improvements, especially up front on the defensive line.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles understands the priority of bolstering Eberflus’ defense this offseason – even with so much of the attention rightfully placed on offense. Chicago’s defense can emerge as a top 10 unit in 2024 with the right moves ahead.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .

Who’s under contract: Montez Sweat, DeMarcus Walker, Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter Sr., Zacch Pickens, Dominique Robinson, Khalid Kareem, Michael Dwumfour, Daniel Hardy, Bill Murray
Free agents: Yannick Ngakoue, Justin Jones, Rasheem Green

2023 review

The Tez Factor was everything that the Bears hoped.

Leading up to the NFL’s Oct. 31 trade deadline, Poles and the Bears considered the impact of a potentially bold move for pass rusher Montez Sweat. The belief was that he could not only shine individually but also transform this entire defense.

The Bears packaged a second-round pick to the Commanders and landed the 27-year-old Sweat, then signed him to a four-year, $98-million deal to lock him in as a core piece. Sweat finished the season with 12.5 sacks, leading both the Bears and Commanders in sacks on the season.

Chicago’s defense allowed just 17.9 points per game over the nine contests with Sweat, compared to 27.3 points on average in the eight games before his arrival.

Sweat’s presence also allowed growth for rookies Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens, the two Day 2 draft picks. Both Dexter and Pickens each revealed progress and greater comfort later in the season.

A key development for the Bears was the emergence of the 28-year-old Billings, who shined on a one-year deal and earned a contract extension late in the season. Billings held down the nose tackle role admirably and proved he has staying power.

The Bears hoped for more out of veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, who finished with only four sacks – half his previous career-low mark. Dominique Robinson, a fifth-round pick in 2022, saw his opportunities drop considerably and finished with just a half-sack on the season.

What comes next?

The Bears have established a budding group for their defensive line, but they still need more proven production.

After thoroughly evaluating the market for 3-techniques last offseason, the Bears should be active once again in exploring that position. Eberflus himself has described it as the engine that drives his defense.

The Bears’ plans for free agency should start with five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones if he becomes available. Jones, who turns 30 in July, could hit the open market if the Chiefs elect not to tender the franchise tag at $32 million. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is also a candidate for the franchise tag in Kansas City.

During his tenure as a rising scout and executive with the Chiefs, Poles was part of the evaluations on Jones and knows his game well. Jones produced 10.5 sacks last season and has 26 in total over the last two seasons. He’s a game-wrecking presence for any defensive line and would solidify the Bears’ hopes defensively in 2024.

The open market could include massive names like Justin Madubuike (Ravens), Leonard Williams (Seahawks), Christian Wilkins (Dolphins) and D.J. Reader (Bengals), though each of those players may very well land back with their current teams on new deals.

Last offseason, the market for defensive linemen moved faster than Poles imagined and the Bears missed out. It led them to the draft selections of Dexter and Pickens, who each must take great strides in their sophomore seasons.

The Bears should expect to be very active once again in the edge rusher market, looking for the right complement to line up across from Sweat. This draft will feature plenty of options, including Laiatu Latu (UCLA), Dallas Turner (Alabama) and Jared Verse (Florida State).

The Bears have to see their defensive line emerge from a pleasant surprise into a great strength next season.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .