Chicago Bears betting on upside to replace Khalil Mack

However, there's an on-field reality that won't be felt until the 2022 season. With Mack back in the AFC West, the Bears have to figure out how they'll replace his production. He started 52 games over the last four years in Chicago and recorded 36 sacks for a pass rush that was invisible without him until Robert Quinn's record-setting 2021 campaign. Mack's impact extended beyond the stat sheet, too. His presence demanded attention from opposing offensive coordinators, he dictated protections and freed up other players on the Bears' defense to make plays. And while it's true that Mack's play has been on the decline, he's still regarded as one of the best defenders in the NFL.

Chicago Bears have familiarity with Al-Quadin Muhammad

The Bears' moves since the Mack trade haven't provided a clear answer for his replacement. They signed former Indianapolis Colts edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad to a two-year, $8 million contract in free agency and drafted Dominique Robinson in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Muhammad will join third-year pro-Trevis Gipson as the primary candidate for Mack's reps.

Muhammad brings one year of starting experience to the Bears. He started just eight games in his career before last season when he started every game for the Colts. His increased reps led to a career-best six sacks and 48 tackles. His seven tackles for loss was the second-highest single-season total of his career.

Muhammad's familiarity with coach Matt Eberflus' defense is a plus. There won't be a learning curve for him, which will be a significant advantage over Chicago's other edge rushers early in the season. The coaching staff's knowledge of his skill set helps, too. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams was the Colts' defensive backs coach for most of Muhammad's career, he knows what kind of player Muhammad is. The fact the Bears targeted him in free agency is a sign that the coaching staff identified him as a must-get.

Dominique Robinson is a rookie wild card

Robinson is a wild card who, like Gipson, joins the Bears as a fifth-round pick with a very high ceiling. The former wide-receiver convert, Robinson is a gifted athlete who can be unleashed on passing downs with one objective: sack the quarterback. He's still developing as an all-around defender, so his role will be limited in 2022. And it's a role that could lead to more reps than expected for a day-three pick. If he makes noise in training camp and the preseason, Robinson could be on the field more than projected right now.

Bears trusting Matt Eberflus to figure it out

Replacing Mack isn't one man's job. It will take a collective effort by three players whose roles remain undefined. The Bears have done an excellent job building out the position group even with the departure of Mack. But whether the all-over-one philosophy works remains to be seen.

The reality, however, is that growing pains are expected. It's the first year of a new defensive system with a collection of pass-rushers replacing Mack, who have a combined 18 career sacks -- 58 fewer than Mack alone. Veteran Robert Quinn will be relied on again as Chicago's primary sack artist, but he'll need help.

Whether it's Muhammad, Gipson, or Robinson, the Bears are banking on Eberflus getting it right in 2022.