The Chicago Bears are set to meet with a pass rusher who has plenty of potential upside after a breakout season in 2023. The Bears have been relatively quiet in free agency this week. The Bear’s biggest signings so far have been safety Kevin Byard and running back D’Andre Swift.
The Chicago Bears want more help on the defensive line
Many analysts thought the Bears would be more aggressive in trying to sign a defensive lineman this week. Head coach Matt Eberflus said at the NFL Combine he wanted another pass rusher to play with Montez Sweat in the upcoming season.
However, general manager Ryan Poles has shown patience in not overspending in a year; frankly, the Bears don’t have a chance to win a Super Bowl. With the Bears expected to draft a quarterback in April, the odds of making and winning a Super Bowl are low. But the Bears can add quality pieces to the roster in the meantime while keeping cap space open for when they’re ready to make a championship run.
The Bears are set to meet with D.J. Wonnum
One of those quality pieces could be D.J. Wonnum. According to Courtney Cronin with ESPN, the Bears are set to meet with Him on Thursday night.
DJ Wonnum is also a target of the Bears and is expected to do his free agency visit in Chicago tonight https://t.co/rxUdzFzewF
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 14, 2024
The Minnesota Vikings 2020 fourth-round pick had his best career year in 2023. He recorded eight sacks last season, eight in the 2021 season, and 23 in his four-year career. Wonnum has great speed to get to a quarterback, as evidenced by this sack of Justin Fields.
Pretty nice move here by D.J. Wonnum on Justin Fields. #Bears https://t.co/OIRTIxqshP
— Jordan Sigler (@JordanSig) March 14, 2024
Wonnum has upside
Per Pro Football Focus, Wonnum earned a 62.3 overall grade for his play last season. He graded better in run defense (68.6) than for pass rushing (56.8) in 2023.
Wonnum is a defensive shapeshifter. He started his NFL career as a defensive end but has been moved to linebacker and outside linebacker with the Vikings.
Wonnum is the kind of piece that can add depth for a serious contender if the Bears still want to add an elite defensive end. He also has shown upside and could be a double-digit sack contributor in the future.
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