Chicago Bears Set to Make Big Moves on Defense
In an exciting offseason for the Chicago Bears, the team is looking to bolster their defensive front with two key additions. According to reports, the Bears are targeting an elite three-technique defensive tackle and a dynamic edge rusher.
One name that has caught their attention is Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Danielle Hunter. Sources suggest that the Bears are eager to acquire Hunter, who is expected to have a strong market. At 29 years old, Hunter has proven himself as a formidable pass-rusher and would be a valuable addition to the Bears’ defense.
Hunter had an outstanding performance in 2023, earning his fourth Pro Bowl selection in the last six seasons. Despite missing the entire 2020 season due to a neck injury and being sidelined with a torn pectoral in 2021, Hunter has consistently been a dominant force on the field. In 2023, he recorded career highs in pressures, tackles for loss, and sacks.
The Bears already made a significant move last season when they traded for Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Sweat had an impressive campaign, finishing with a career-high 12.5 sacks. Adding Hunter to the mix would create a formidable duo in the Bears’ 4-3 defensive scheme.
As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Bears can secure the services of Danielle Hunter. With their sights set on strengthening their defense, Hunter could be the missing piece to take the Bears to the next level.
In a stunning turn of events, Danielle Hunter, the Minnesota Vikings pass-rusher, is expected to hit the market with a staggering market value of $20 million per year. This jaw-dropping figure is projected by Spotrac for a new three-year deal. However, the competition for Hunter’s services is likely to drive this number even higher.
Comparatively, Hunter’s counterpart, Sweat, is a few years younger but lacks the same level of success in key statistical categories that contribute to pass-rushers’ paychecks. Therefore, his annual salary of $24.5 million over four seasons could serve as a benchmark for what Hunter will demand and likely receive if the Bears decide to bring him on board.
Hunter, who previously signed a lucrative five-year, $72 million contract with the Vikings in June 2018, has been pushing for an extension or a trade since last summer. Despite the team’s initial resistance, they eventually renegotiated the final year of his contract. This move increased his guaranteed pay to $17 million, with an additional $3 million in incentives, all of which Hunter successfully met, earning him a whopping $20 million in 2023.
The Bears, who previously paid a hefty sum of $10.5 million for the services of journeyman defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, are now likely to part ways with him. Ngakoue, who had an impressive seven-year career in the NFL with a minimum of 8.0 sacks per season, struggled to replicate his previous success in his first year with the Bears. Injuries limited him to only 4.0 sacks in just 13 games.
As a result, the Bears are seeking a suitable replacement for Ngakoue, and Hunter, or a player of similar caliber, could fill that void. The upcoming negotiations for Hunter’s services are expected to be intense, with several teams vying for his talents.
Max Dible, a prominent sports reporter, covers a wide range of teams including the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, and Golden State Warriors. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development.
According to the Source heavy.com