Chicago Bears fans were growing concerned about the inactivity of their team in addressing the edge rusher position. Signing DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green was fine, but neither had a proven history of getting the quarterback on the ground. If this defensive line was going to take a step forward, it needed a sack specialist. One week into training camp, GM Ryan Poles finally delivered. The Bears reached an agreement with veteran free agent Yannick Ngakoue on a one-year deal worth $10.5 million. It includes $10 million guaranteed. While a hefty price to pay, the Bears can afford it with their ample cap space.
What’s important is understanding what Ngakoue brings to the table. At 28 years old, he’s still in his prime. Since arriving in the NFL, he has 65 sacks. What makes it more impressive is he’s done it with five different teams, illustrating his ability to function in any system. If fans want an idea of how much better he makes the Bears, here’s a stat.
2022 Ngakoue: 44 pressures and 9.5 sacks
2022 Bears edge rushers: 79 pressures and 6.5 sacks
Ngakoue had more sacks and over half the total pressures the entire Bears defensive end group produced last season. Don’t let anybody tell you this isn’t a significant boost for the defense.
Yannick Ngakoue doesn’t need to be a star.
They only need him to be what he’s been for the past seven seasons. That is disruptive. Chicago played only two games last season in which they had 15 or more pressures on the quarterback. It is hard to win games that way. Ngakoue may not be the best run defender, but that isn’t why the Bears signed him. He is instant pass rush. Here’s another fun stat for you. The secondary produced three interceptions in those two games where the defense had 15+ pressures on the QB. Pressure leads to takeaways.
The Bears are excited about their young secondary. Eddie Jackson had a bounceback season in 2022, notching four interceptions. Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker have looked fantastic in training camp this year. Rookie Tyrique Stevenson is standing out as well. This secondary seems poised for big things. Yannick Ngakoue might be the missing piece to help them realize some of that vast potential. If DeMarcus Walker repeats the quality production he had last year while Trevis Gipson or Dominique Robinson improve, this defense has a chance to shock people.
