A former Green Bay Packers pass rusher is disgruntled with his former team, and the Chicago Bears could be a viable landing spot for the All-Pro this offseason. The Bears’ pass rush was the worst in the league last season, and the team didn’t address the defensive end position enough to make much of a difference this offseason.
Another former Green Bay Packers player to the Chicago Bears
The Bears, who lost elite pass rushers Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn last season, signed two rotational defensive ends in, DeMarcus Walker and Rasheem Green during free agency. The Bears added three defensive tackles in the draft but took no exterior defensive line help to rush the passer. Because of their desperation this offseason, a Bears beat writer suggested former Packers pass rusher Za’Darius Smith could be a trade option for the Bears. After all, Smith has sold his Minnesota home after requesting the Vikings release him.
Brad Biggs with the Chicago Tribune thinks Smith would fit the Bears as a defensive end this season:
“Smith is rumored to be seeking a new contract — or at minimum guaranteed money — a year after signing a three-year, $42 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The market for Smith was depressed last offseason because he was coming off a back injury that wiped out nearly all of his 2021 season in Green Bay. He had 10 sacks last season for the Vikings, but 8½ came in the first seven games. Smith is an intriguing option, but having to trade for him and adjust his contract might be a lot.”
Smith would join several former Packers on a roster with Robert Tonyan, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Lucas Patrick.
Za’Darius Smith is at home in the NFC North
That would make three NFC North teams in three seasons if Smith were traded to the Bears. He’d make the Bears’ defense better if he could stay healthy. But that’s a huge if. The Vikings are still holding on to Smith this offseason and could trade him. But it’s unlikely they’d want to see Smith play with the Bears. The Vikings might ask for a price they know the notably frugal Bears general manager Ryan Poles won’t pay.
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