Chicago Bears edge rusher Trevis Gipson spent the first two seasons of his career as the understudy to Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. Now that Mack is a Los Angeles Charger and Quinn's future in Chicago remains murky at best, it's Gipson who's suddenly the team's most important pass rusher.
Gipson is a known commodity to Bears fans. He had something of a breakout season in 2021 when he finished the year with seven sacks despite playing only 489 snaps. By comparison, Quinn logged 755. Gipson earned the Bears' highest pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus last year and finished his second season with three sacks over the final two games.
Still, Gipson is far from a household name. In fact, ESPN (via Football Outsiders) recently named Gipson the Chicago Bears' most underrated player:
"Gipson emerged as a strong No. 3 and spot starter for the Bears last season, racking up seven sacks and 15 hurries in just under 500 snaps. Though a bit raw in his approach, Gipson has good length, functional strength, and stunning flashes of bend around the corner. If Gipson can use this year's opportunity as a starter to take another step forward, the Bears may have a real difference-maker on their hands."
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As promising as Trevis Gipson's outlook is, it'd be foolish to think he can replace Mack's presence alone. The Bears signed former Indianapolis Colts edge defender Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency and selected Dominque Robinson in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. A combination of the three, led by Gipson, will be charged with complementing Quinn in keeping the heat on opposing quarterbacks in 2022.