Ex-Bears pass rusher, former Pro-Bowler, named as fit for Patriots

The Chicago Bears are approaching the end stages of their rebuild, and there have been some veteran casualties along the way.

With rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze joining a revitalized offense and a defense that has slowly accumulated talent over the past three seasons, the Bears are poised to push for a winning season for the first time since 2018. But not all who have joined the Bears during the rebuild have stuck.

One of the most accomplished veterans looking for a new home across the National Football League is former Bears defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue. After a disappointing season on a one-year contract in Chicago, Ngakoue could be headed to the other conference in 2024.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Ngakoue as a fit for the New England Patriots on Wednesday, amid the former Pro-Bowler's prolonged search for a new team.

"While Yannick Ngakoue doesn't offer a lot as a run defender, he's long been one of the NFL's more consistent situational pass-rushers," Knox said. "The Patriots should be at the front of the line for available pass-rushers. They brought back Josh Uche in free agency, but they also traded away Pro Bowler Matthew Judon earlier this month."

Ngakoue, 29, is coming off his least productive NFL season, his only year in Chicago. He recorded a career-low four sacks in 13 games played before missing the final month of the season with an ankle injury.

Given his lack of success in Chicago, a reunion with the Bears seems somewhat unlikely. But perhaps a different young team like the Patriots could provide the kind of consistent playing time opportunity Ngakoue needs to get his career back on track.

As for Chicago, rushing the quarterback remains an important fix after struggling to generate any pressure in 2023. The Bears' 30 total sacks were 31st of 32 teams in the league last season, beating only the hapless Carolina Panthers.

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