Shocking signing would give the Bears much-needed experience for an area of need
The Chicago Bears were wheeling and dealing all offseason. On paper, the team is noticeably better than it was just back in March when free agency began. However, one free agent the Bears should still pursue is defensive end Von Miller.
The future Hall of Famer is still available. Even though Miller is 36, it’s still surprising he hasn’t been signed yet, especially after being ranked as one of the best remaining free agents available on defense by CBS Sports. And with $10.5 million in cap space in the tank, the Bears have a bit left over to cash in on another free agent like Miller.
An X-factor Miller brings to the table from Day 1 is his excellent pass-rushing ability. Miller’s been a quarterback’s worst nightmare his entire 14-year career. You don’t rack in 129.5 career sacks by accident. Signing Miller would provide the Bears with an immediate veteran presence on the defensive line. The wisdom Miller can pass on might be more important than anything he does on the field with the Bears.
Much needed help for the Bears’ defensive line
There’s no denying the Bears are a relatively young team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With the Bears, Miller could accept the role of player-coach and teach the Bears’ young pass rushers the game. Defensive linemen who could benefit from learning a thing or two from Miller are Shemar Turner, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Dayo Odeyingbo. With the guidance of Miller, all three could see improvements in their game.
The hurdle the Bears need to jump when it comes to bringing Miller to the Windy City is that he wants to chase another ring with a championship-caliber team. While the Bears’ future looks bright, they just might not be on his radar. If the Bears jump to a hot start and are contenders come November, they could take a chance on Miller if he’s still available.
Chicago is also no stranger to signing pass rushers in the “last call” stage of their career. They signed Hall of Famer Jared Allen in 2014 and three-time Pro Bowler Robert Quinn in 2020… when both were well into their 30s.
Bears Turn Heads With ‘Heavy Investment’ to Help Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears are looking solid heading into the 2025 season, and the team’s new head coach Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions is turning heads with his moves. The Bears, for the most part, have gotten stellar reviews for their 2025 draft choices. NFL analyst and expert Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN, however, gave the team a B+ grade for their 2025 draft selections, giving the team props on everything except snagging a new pass rusher. “The Bears’ edge defenders had a pass rush win rate of 10.2%, which was the third worst in the NFL last season,” he notes, adding that not selecting a pass rusher “was enough to knock Chicago down to a B+. Otherwise, I was a fan of its picks, which seem very centered on elevating Williams’ game in 2025.”
But, looking ahead, the Chicago Bears are getting praised for beefing up their offensive line in a way that should help Caleb Williams finally get the support he needs.
Chicago Bears Get an A on Offensive Line
In a May 5 story for ESPN, their NFL Nation team discusses the most improved aspects of each NFL team following the draft. For the piece, EPSN utilized a power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities to evaluate how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.
“The 2025 NFL draft is complete, and prospects are beginning rookie minicamps with their new teams,” ESPN states in the feature, while also praising the top picks. “The Titans took quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 pick, the Packers selected wide receiver Matthew Golden at No. 23, and the Eagles beefed up their linebacker room with Jihaad Campbell.