Bears Host Ex-1st Rounder Davenport to Fix DE Crisis
The Chicago Bears Are Looking for Pass Rush Help: What You Need to Know
The Big Picture
Imagine a football team is like a castle. The quarterback is the king inside the castle. The pass rushers are the knights trying to storm the castle and capture the king before he can throw the ball.
Right now, the Chicago Bears’ castle defense is missing some of its best knights. That’s why they invited a famous free agent named Marcus Davenport to visit.
Who Is Marcus Davenport?
Think of Marcus Davenport like a player who had one amazing season but has been hurt or quiet since then.
- Draft Status: He was a 1st-round pick (14th overall) by the New Orleans Saints in 2018. That means experts thought he would be a star.
- Best Year: In 2021, he got 9 sacks (tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage). That’s really good!
- Recent Struggles: In the last four seasons combined, he only has 4 total sacks.
- Age/Experience: He’s 28 years old and has played for three teams: Saints (2018–2022), Vikings (2023), Lions (2024).
Important Point: A "sack" is when a defensive player tackles the quarterback before he throws the ball. It’s one of the most exciting and valuable plays in football.
Why Does He Know the Bears So Well?
This isn’t a blind date. Davenport has two big connections to the Bears’ coaching staff:
| Connection | Who | How They Know Each Other |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Coordinator | Dennis Allen | Was Davenport’s head coach with the Saints (2018–2022) |
| Head Coach | Ben Johnson | Was on the Lions coaching staff in 2024 when Davenport played there |
So the Bears coaches have seen him practice, play, and prepare up close. They know exactly what he can (and can’t) do.
How Did He Play Last Year with the Lions?
Not great, if we’re being honest.
- He started 7 games for Detroit in 2024.
- Pro Football Focus (PFF) — a group that grades every player on every play — ranked him 103rd out of 115 qualified edge rushers.
- That means only 12 starting edge rushers played worse last season.
Callout: Just because he knows the coaches doesn’t mean he’s guaranteed a spot. The Bears need production, not just familiarity.
Why Are the Bears Even Looking at Him?
Because they didn’t add any notable pass rushers this entire offseason.
- Their best rusher, Montez Sweat, has been hurt since August 6.
- Without Sweat, the cupboard is bare.
- Davenport is a big name who’s available right now and knows the system.
Good News: Montez Sweat Is Back!
The Bears got a boost on Sunday when Montez Sweat returned to practice for the first time in over two weeks.
- Head coach Ben Johnson said Saturday he expected Sweat back “soon.”
- Sweat is the clear #1 pass rusher on this team.
- His return makes the defense instantly better.
Summary: What This All Means
| Situation | What It Means for the Bears |
|---|---|
| No new pass rushers signed | Desperate for help off the edge |
| Davenport visits | Low-risk look at a known player with upside |
| Coaches know him well | They can evaluate him fast — no guesswork |
| Last year was rough | He’s not a savior — more like a lottery ticket |
| Sweat returns | The real answer is already on the roster |
Bottom Line: The Bears are kicking the tires on Davenport because they’re thin at a critical position. But the real solution is Montez Sweat getting healthy. Davenport would just be extra depth — if he signs at all.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is a "free agent"?
A player whose contract has ended and can sign with any team. Like a free agent in a video game — no team owns their rights.
What does "edge rusher" mean?
A defensive player (usually a defensive end or outside linebacker) whose main job is to rush the quarterback from the side (the "edge") of the offensive line.
Why does Pro Football Focus (PFF) matter?
PFF watches every play and grades players on technique, not just stats. Teams use their data to make decisions. A rank of 103/115 is very low.
Is Davenport definitely signing with the Bears?
No. A "visit" means they’re talking, doing a physical, and seeing if it’s a fit. Many visits end with no contract.
When is the first game? Does Sweat have time?
The regular season starts in early September. Sweat returning in mid-August gives him 2–3 weeks to ramp up — plenty of time if he’s healthy.
Stay tuned — the Bears’ pass rush story isn’t over yet!