Chicago Bears reveal major update on search for pass-rushing help

The Chicago Bears totaled just 35 sacks as a team last year, so they entered the offseason in dire need of pass-rushing assistance.

The general expectation was that the Bears would either sign an edge rusher in free agency or select one in the NFL Draft. They were also floated as a potential trade destination for Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby.

But here we are in late May, and Chicago has still done nothing to address its issues getting to opposing quarterbacks.

The Bears have ignored the problem throughout the offseason, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen recently stated that the team was actually content with its front seven, much to the chagrin of Chicago fans.

That may have been lip service on the part of Allen, however, as the Bears recently brought in defensive end A.J. Epenesa for a workout before organized team activities, via Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune.

Chicago Bears considering signing A.J. Epenesa

Epenesa certainly wouldn’t be the flashiest addition, especially with names like Jadeveon Clowney, Joey Bosa and Cameron Jordan remaining on the open market.

However, with the Bears owning just $11.1 million in cap room at the moment, you can understand why they would want to go with a cheaper option.

Epenesa spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, serving as a rotational pass rusher for the team. He only played in half of his team’s defensive snaps once, which came in 2024 when he appeared in 55 percent of them.

Last season, the 27-year-old logged 32 tackles, a couple of sacks, a pair of interceptions and nine quarterback hits in 16 games. Not exactly stellar production. He topped out at 6.5 sacks, which he posted back-to-back campaigns in 2022 and 2023.

Montez Sweat led Chicago with 10 sacks last season. Gervon Dexter was the only other player with five or more, recording six. It should be noted that Austin Booker registered 4.5 sacks in just 10 games, and the Bears seem to be banking on a potential breakout year from the former fifth-round pick.

Epenesa would probably see the field quite a bit in Chicago given the club’s lack of depth on the edge, but whether or not the Bears actually sign him remains to be seen.

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