The Chicago Bears should look to add to their pass rush ahead of the 2025 NFL season, and one NFL analyst believes the team should target Za’Darius Smith.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder listed the Bears as one of the top landing spots for Smith, who was released by the Detroit Lions in March.
“With Dayo Odeyingbo taking the early-down responsibilities and sliding inside in passing situations, Smith would be a great complement on the edge with Montez Sweat,” Holder wrote.
Smith quietly had a solid 2024 campaign, tallying nine sacks and 66 quarterback pressures in 17 games. The 32-year-old was traded to the Lions from the Cleveland Browns during the trade deadline, and was a fantastic mid-season addition to the defensive line after Aidan Hutchinson’s injury.
Though Chicago already has two capable starters at edge rusher in Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, Smith would be an excellent rotational piece in the position group and could provide adequate production as a complementary pass rusher. The three-time Pro Bowler would also provide savvy veteran experience and leadership.
Signing Smith also shouldn’t cost too much, and the Bears still $14.7 million in cap space. A team-friendly deal worth around $6 to $8 million for one year should be enough to bring the experienced pass rusher to the Windy City.
First-year head coach Ben Johnson was with Smith in Detroit last season, which is another reason why this signing is a no-brainer for the playoff hopeful Bears.
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