The Chicago Bears had a very up-and-down defensive season in 2023. While their secondary led the NFL with 22 interceptions, the Bears were also second to last in sacks, having been dead last in total sacks in 2022.
Demarcus Walker and Yannick Ngakoue were significant summer additions, but they were unable to produce at their former levels. This was partly owing to Ngakoue missing four games this season, the most since 2020. However, the Bears traded for defensive end Montez Sweat in October, and he recorded six sacks, giving him a total of 12.5 sacks this season between Washington and Chicago, the most of his career.
The Chicago Bears should inquire about a trade for Maxx Crosby
While the future looks bright for Matt Erberflus’ front seven, the Bears could use some extra firepower to match the same production as their secondary: In comes Maxx Crosby.
Since entering the league, Las Vegas has had the pleasure of having Crosby at their disposal. Averaging over ten sacks a season since he entered the league, Crosby has been a nice replacement after the Raiders traded Khalil Mack (Ironically to Chicago) back before the 2018 season.
The Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce has the support of his locker room. But if the Raiders decide to move on from Pierce, Crosby may be ready for a change of scenery. The Bears currently have two top-ten first-round picks, including a third-round and two fourth-rounders. For a team that has a track record of building its entire identity on defense, it could be wise for Ryan Poles to bolster that front seven and bring in even more reinforcements against opposing quarterbacks in 2024.
