The Chicago Bears' search for more pass-rush help has officially landed them a veteran with strong ties to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The Bears announced Monday that they have signed defensive lineman Marcus Davenport. Chicago also signed defensive back Deantre Prince, waived running back Coleman Bennett and waived tight end Nikola Kalinic with an injury designation.
Davenport's addition is easily the most notable of those moves.
The former first-round pick brings 77 games and 43 starts of NFL experience to a Bears defensive front that entered training camp with legitimate questions about its pass-rush depth.
Marcus Davenport reunites with Dennis Allen in Chicago
The connection between Davenport and Allen makes this signing particularly interesting.
The New Orleans Saints traded up to select Davenport with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft when Allen was their defensive coordinator. Davenport eventually produced the best season of his career in 2021, recording nine sacks in 11 games.
He has 25 sacks and 165 tackles over his NFL career.
Injuries have repeatedly interrupted Davenport's career, including during his time with the Detroit Lions. It's why it's unreasonable to expect him to suddenly become an every-down difference-maker opposite Montez Sweat.
But the Bears don't necessarily need that. They just need more options.
Davenport gives Allen another experienced pass rusher for his rotation, and one who already has extensive experience playing in his defensive system.
Bears continue searching for answers along defensive line
The timing is notable after Saturday's 34-10 preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns.
Jamree Kromah was one of the Bears' biggest defensive standouts, recording two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Rookie Jordan van den Berg has also generated positive momentum throughout training camp.
Davenport now adds another name to Allen's pass-rush arsenal.
That's good news for a Bears defense that finished 31st in pass-rush win rate in 2025 and didn't make a major investment at edge rusher during the offseason.
Davenport shouldn't be viewed as some magic fix for that problem. At this stage of his career, anything Chicago gets from him should be considered a bonus until he proves he can remain healthy and consistently contribute.
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