The Chicago Bears are expected to look for additional pass-rush help ahead of the 2026 season, and a former defender from the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions could emerge as an affordable option.

Veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, originally a first-round selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2018 NFL Draft, remains available in free agency and may fit Chicago’s need for depth along the defensive line.

Davenport posted the best season of his career in 2021, recording nine sacks with New Orleans. While injuries have limited his consistency in recent years, both Minnesota and Detroit trusted him enough to start games at defensive end during the past three seasons.

Despite health challenges, Davenport still brings experience and proven pass-rush production. Over eight NFL seasons, he has appeared in 73 games with 43 starts, recording 71 quarterback hits, 28 tackles for loss and 25 sacks.

According to projections from Spotrac, Davenport’s market value for the 2026 season could land around $1.9 million. That relatively low price could appeal to the Bears, who reportedly have about $10.8 million in available salary cap space as of early May.

Bears Counting on Internal Development to Boost Pass Rush

While adding a veteran like Davenport could help, Chicago appears focused on improving its pass rush through internal development.

The Bears traded a seventh-round pick to the Cleveland Browns last November to acquire former first-round edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, even though he had yet to record a sack during the first half of the season.

Despite finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks (35), pass-rush win rate and quick pressure rate, Chicago chose not to draft an edge rusher during the 2026 NFL Draft.

Instead, the organization appears to be counting on young defenders such as Austin Booker, a fifth-round pick in 2024, and Shemar Turner, a second-round selection in 2025, to take major developmental steps heading into the 2026 campaign.

The Bears also invested heavily in defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo last offseason, signing him to a three-year contract worth $48 million. However, his first season in Chicago was cut short after he suffered a torn Achilles midway through the year.

Odeyingbo will enter next season at just 27 years old and is expected to rebound after recording one sack in eight games before the injury.

Meanwhile, veteran pass rusher Montez Sweat remains the centerpiece of Chicago’s defensive front after leading the team with 10 sacks last season.

Veteran Pass Rushers Also Available in Free Agency

If the Bears decide to spend more than Davenport’s projected cost, several experienced pass rushers remain available on the open market.

Veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan recorded 15 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks for the Saints last season, while Jadeveon Clowney produced 12 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with the Dallas Cowboys.

Both players are still free agents and could command one-year deals in the $6–7 million range.

Still, if Chicago prioritizes affordability and depth, Davenport could emerge as a logical target as the Bears continue searching for ways to strengthen their pass rush heading into the 2026 NFL season.