NFL insider suggests Bears call up Pro Bowl edge rusher to fill gap opposite Montez Sweat

NFL insider suggests Bears call up Pro Bowl edge rusher to fill gap opposite Montez Sweat originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Bears’ roster is all but set heading into their first preseason game against the Texans on Thursday.

But there remains one glaring gap GM Ryan Poles and the front office could, and maybe should, address before the season: edge rusher. The Bears have yet to truly address the spot across Montez Sweat.

But NFL insider Albert Breer pitched an idea for the Bears to address their need on ESPN 1000.

“If I were the Bears I would pick up the phone and call Matthew Judon,” Breer said. “Here’s the thing with the Judon situation. With Judon and New England, they paid Christian Barmore, they paid a lot of other guys who aren’t as good as Judon. He’s set to make $6.5 million this year. I don’t know how far they’re gonna have to go to make him happy.

“I would at least fish around that one if I were the Bears. I think he could be a really good fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. If I were the Bears that’s probably the one I would make the phone call on.”

MORE: Ryan Poles explains why Bears haven’t added to thin pass rush ahead of training camp

Judon, 31, is currently undergoing contract disputes with the Patriots as he’s on the precipice of playing through the final year of his contract. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on Wednesday the Patriots offered him a new deal after Tuesday’s practice, but Judon refuted the report.

“No, they haven’t but it makes me look bad again. Don’t believe the lies,” Judon wrote.

In response, Judon has been sitting on the sidelines in street clothes during Patriots training camp, leaving the opportunity for a team, like the Bears, to swoop in with a trade offer to claim him.

Judon has played in the NFL for eight seasons. He’s earned a Pro Bowl nod in four of the last five seasons. And he earned top 10 voting for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2022.

Unfortunately, Judon’s 2023 season ended abruptly…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-insider-suggests-bears-call-001759852.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-08-01 00:17:59

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