Chicago Bears’ Path To A Pass Rush Solution Just Burst Wide Open
It isn’t a secret the Chicago Bears remain active in their search for pass rush help. GM Ryan Poles has insisted for weeks the team is continuing to monitor the market. Nothing has happened thus far because a deal that makes sense for the organization hasn’t materialized. Options like Justin Houston and Yannick Ngakoue remain available. The lack of any agreement suggests their asking prices are too high. Well, it appears another option might be on the table. One that could challenge Poles to go against his typical approach.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Minnesota Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. The 30-year-old has desired a new contract for some time after another standout season with 10.5 sacks in 2022. Minnesota hasn’t been willing to negotiate, so he requested a trade. As it becomes clear the Vikings are undergoing a rebuild on the fly, they’ve shown greater willingness to unload older vets. They already traded Za’Darius Smith and released Dalvin Cook.
“The Vikings have evaluated trade options for Danielle Hunter in light of his ongoing unhappiness with his contract, with sources from multiple teams saying Minnesota has made the former Pro Bowler available.
Hunter does not want to play on his $4.9 million base salary for this season, so the Vikings have tried to find creative solutions should they fail to reach a new deal with him. Hunter, 28, skipped organized team activities and mandatory minicamp and is not practicing during training camp after missing the offseason program.”
The Chicago Bears shouldn’t be afraid to pursue Hunter.
Yes, the Vikings are a division rival. However, that hasn’t stopped them from making deals with Green Bay and Detroit over the past year. They traded for T.J. Hockenson from the Lions and also allowed them to move up for Jameson Williams in the 1st round. Their GM has no qualms about making deals in the division if the numbers make sense. The Bears have plenty of motivation to explore the possibility. Hunter is a perfect fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense with his size, athleticism, length, and motor. He could be the missing piece for a major defensive turnaround after the team upgraded their defensive tackle and linebacker positions.
The problem is the cost. If the Chicago Bears want him, it will require two things: draft picks and money. They have both, but Poles has always been reluctant to spend them on older veteran players. Is Hunter worth it? You can make the case. Outside of missing nine games in 2021, he has played every game since 2016. So durability isn’t a problem. Great pass rushers tend to excel into their mid-30s. It isn’t a stretch to think he has three or four more good years ahead of him.
Money is the crucial point. Salary cap experts believe a three-year extension at $22.5 million per year would likely get it done. The Bears have more than enough cap space to afford that. They could also structure the guarantees to where they can escape the contract after two years if they wish.
One thing is undeniable. Hunter would instantly make them a better football team.