The Chicago Bears have been very active to begin NFL free agency. After pulling off two trades for offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney before the free agency legal tampering window opened, the Bears have remained active today.
As Chicago looks to power its way back into the playoffs, they are showing no worries about spending money to do so.
Early on after the tampering window opened, the Bears were able to agree to terms with former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman on a major three-year, $42 million contract. There is $28 million guaranteed in the contract.
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Now, Chicago has focused on adding more talent to the defensive side of the football.
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According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $48 million contract with former Indianapolis Colts’ pass rusher Dayo Odeyingbo.
Odeyingbo is a big-time addition for Chicago. He was one of the biggest sleeper defensive free agents available on the market this offseason.
During the 2024 NFL season with the Colts, Odeyingbo ended up playing in 17 games. He recorded 31 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Those numbers don’t look amazing, but everyone in Indianapolis seemed to have a down season last year.
Back in 2023, Odeyingbo showed off more of his potential. He totaled 38 tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two defended passes.
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At just 25 years old, Odeyingbo has a lot of room to continue growing his game. With the Bears, he will have an opportunity to do that and play an even bigger role.
Making this kind of investment clearly shows how much Chicago believes in his ability. If he can reach his full potential, the Bears’ defense will have taken a big step forward with this move.
This move may not go down as one of the biggest in free agency. However, it has a chance to be one of the best sleeper additions.
There is still a lot of work for Odeyingbo to put in to reach his full potential. He has shown the kind of work ethic that it will take to get there throughout his career so far.
Chicago is going all-in on competing in 2025. It will be interesting to see what kind of season they can put together after the major offseason moves they’re making.
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