‘Good Chance’ that Chicago Bears are Reportedly Ready to Move on from Defensive Line Journeyman in 2024 After Quick Stint

Aside from his rookie year where Ngakoue had eight sacks, there is only one other year in which Ngakoue played in every game and didn’t reach double digit sack numbers. That was the 2018 season, where Ngakoue had 9.5 sacks with the Jaguars.

Ngakoue was recently put on IR, and that will ensure that the last time he played a full season was 2021. King cites this in tandem with his claim that Ngakoue will be playing elsewhere in 2024.

“There’s a good chance that Ngakoue, 28, who went on IR in Chicago last week with a broken ankle, will play elsewhere in 2024. That would be his seventh team in five calendar years. He would be 29 years old,” King said.

Yannick Ngakoue and the Chicago Bears pass rush struggled before deadline acquisitions

As the trade deadline approached, the Chicago Bears made a big move in the acquisition of Washington Commanders pass-rusher Montez Sweat. The Bears gave up a second-round pick for Sweat in a move that was heavily criticized due to the fact that the Bears were already in a position from which it would be difficult to make the playoffs.

Despite a slew of initial criticism, the majority of Bears fans have changed their mind on the matter. Sweat’s play made massive changes to their pass rush, and culture as a team.

The addition of Sweat increased Ngakoue’s production as well. Half of Ngakoue’s four sacks came after the Sweat trade in week nine.

In the first game without Ngakoue against the Cleveland Browns, Sweat did not miss a beat. He had 2.5 sacks and a tackle for loss, but the Bears couldn’t get the job done in the interconference duel.

While there is no confirmation from the Chicago Bears organization, there will be many opportunities to add a younger pass rusher in free agency

A multitude of pass-rushing specialists will be hitting the free agent market next year. The likes of Carl Lawson, Danielle Hunter, Chase Young, Bryce huff and Romeo Okwara will all be available for the 2024 season. While Young might be a bit too pricey for the Bears, it is proven that he and Sweat can play well together.

Hunter will be a top free agent target for the Bears, according to Bears Insider Brad Biggs. Briggs claims that the addition of Montez Sweat was just the beginning.

“The Bears got a close look Monday at one player who should be a top-five free agent (maybe No. 1 when you exclude quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins) in Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter. Hunter’s one-year contract for this season prevents the Vikings from using the franchise or transition tag to secure him. That means Hunter, 29, will reach the open market unless the Vikings extend him before mid-March,” said Briggs.” “I’m not sure the Bears want to sink big money into another edge rusher after trading for Sweat and extending him, but it’s something Poles and his staff will have to explore. Why? Adding Sweat to upgrade the defensive line was just the beginning. The Bears need a second threat off the edge to take the next step on defense.”

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