The Chicago Bears entered last year's free agency period needing to acquire difference-making pass rushers after posting a league-low 20 sacks during the 2022 season. For whatever reason, general manager Ryan Poles was initially unwilling to commit huge money to a free-agent pass rusher. Despite not drafting an edge rusher in 2023, Poles' initial solution was to sign DeMarcus Walker to a three-year deal worth $21 million with $16 fully guaranteed.
Walker was once considered a second-round bust (2017 draft) before reviving his career with the Tennessee Titans in 2022. Walker enjoyed a career-best season with seven sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 32 tackles (10 TFLs), and 21 run stops in 17 regular-season appearances. He parlayed that into the $7 million annual contract with the Bears, significantly more than the $1.1 million he earned with the Titans in 2022.
As an outsider who frequently watches the Titans, I immediately thought this contract was a mistake for the Bears. In 2022, Walker benefited greatly from playing alongside Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, and Bud Dupree. He took advantage of the attention those players commanded. The Bears didn't boast defensive line talent that came anywhere near matching Tennessee's, miscasting Walker into a starring role.
Predictably, Walker didn't meet his contract expectations, nor did he come close to repeating his 2022 sack production. Walker totaled 3.5 sacks in 17 contests, finishing fourth on the Bears in that department. Matt Eberflus' unit totaled a 31st-ranked 30.0 sacks, ten more than their pathetic 2022 total, but still good for a second-last finish.
Pro Football Focus credited Walker with producing 47 quarterback pressures en route to a 64.0 pass-rushing grade. He also accumulated 31 hurries and 12 QB hits, and 19 total run stops. Walker played a notable and versatile role, and it's worth acknowledging his contract by absolutely no means broke the bank.
But Walker also wasn't a starring pass rusher that commanded extra attention from opposing offensive linemen, and that's sort of what the Bears paid him to be. That realization partially led to the Bears' decision to acquire Montez Sweat via a midseason trade. Sweat led all Bears defenders in sacks (6.0) despite making just nine appearances.
It's also fair to assume Sweat's arrival had a positive impact on Walker's production. He recorded four or more quarterback pressures in four games while playing alongside Sweat from Week 9 onward, a feat he only achieved in three games before the trade. PFF credited Walker with sacks in Weeks 15 and 18.
The Bears are counting on Walker to produce in 2024. For the second straight offseason, Poles has somewhat neglected the EDGE position. At least Sweat is in the fold now, with Walker projecting as his opposite starter, considering the only notable offseason acquisition was fifth-round pick Austin Booker.
Walker is probably still being miscast into a larger role than he's suited for, but Sweat's presence insinuates he's capable of having a productive 2024 season.
