The Chicago Bears’ desire to add a pass rusher is no secret.
As if reports that Chicago has been shopping around weren’t enough, Hard Knocks fully revealed to the world that the Bears were adamant about acquiring Matthew Judon.
Entangled within Chicago’s search for an edge rusher are its continuing discussions with free agent defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who played for the Bears in 2023. For weeks, an “is he staying, or going?” narrative has attached itself to Ngakoue and the Bears. There have been reports that Chicago is bringing him back , just as there have been reports (not to mention direct evidence) that the Bears are pursuing alternative options.
In an article published Wednesday by Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox listed Ngakoue as one of the biggest names left on the free agent market and predicted that Ngakoue will ultimately return to Chicago for the 2024 season.
“ Yannick Ngakoue is coming off a bit of a down season but has a strong track record,” Knox said. “Ngakoue recorded only four sacks with the Chicago Bears before his 2023 campaign was ended prematurely by an ankle injury.”
“Before last season, though, Ngakoue had never tallied fewer than eight sacks in a season. … Good pass-rushers typically aren't available this late in the summer, so the 29-year-old should draw heavy interest in the coming weeks.”
“Ngakoue would be a solid fit for the Baltimore Ravens, who employed him in 2020. The Ravens are firmly in a playoff window and lost top 2023 edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney in free agency. However, a return to the Bears might make even more sense. Chicago is looking to make a 2024 jump with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and it could use a veteran edge opposite Montez Sweat.”
“During the preseason, rookie fifth-round pick Austin Booker has looked like a player who can quickly become Sweat's top complement. However, Chicago is looking to win now, and it can't possibly have too much pass-rushing depth. … Prediction: Ngakoue re-signs with Chicago.”
As alluded to by Knox, Booker has looked tremendous so far during preseason, but adding Ngakoue would be ideal. General manager Ryan Poles is already in the thick of it when it comes to negotiating for pass rushers this offseason, so navigating a new deal for Ngakoue should be no sweat.
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