Following another middling season, the Chicago Bears will try to make a few moves this offseason in the 2024 NFL Draft and free agency. In free agency, the Bears must re-sign young cornerback Jaylon Johnson and anticipate to have $49 million in cap room.
With so much cap space, Chicago may address several positions, especially the defensive line. ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler reported Saturday (subscription required) that the Bears are “very high” on Minnesota Vikings star defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Hunter is one of the top EDGE rushers in this year’s NFL free agency class, and he might fetch a multi-year contract from a number of teams eager to add to their veteran defensive linemen.
Spotrac estimates the 29-year-old defensive end’s market value at $60 million over three years, with an average annual pay of $20 million. Hunter is coming off a successful 2023 season with Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
The 6-foot-5 defensive end set career highs in multiple categories, including 83 combined stops, 23 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, 16.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Hunter has 44 quarterback hits, 35 tackles for loss, 27 sacks, and two Pro Bowl selections in the last two seasons.
Montez Sweat improved the Bears’ defence in the second half of the season. However, they faltered in some pass-rushing categories. Nonetheless, it will be intriguing to see how Chicago handles free agency and whether they are one of the clubs interested in signing the veteran defensive end.
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