Buzz around Bears edge rusher Trevis Gipson growing louder

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.