Chicago Bears eye veteran EDGE signing as Lions threat quietly grows in division originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Chicago Bears enter the upcoming season with momentum, but their path in the NFC North is far from comfortable. Head coach Ben Johnson, who once worked under Dan Campbell in Detroit, now faces a familiar rival with added tension.
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Even after finishing atop the division in 2025-26, Chicago dropped both regular-season matchups to the Lions, a result that still lingers as motivation inside the organization.
That competitive edge could be tested further if Detroit adds a former Bears defender. A recent report suggested that edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, most recently with Chicago, could land with the Lions.
While not viewed as a headline signing, the 2021 first-round pick has shown flashes of productivity and will turn 27 in April. His journey from Tampa Bay to Cleveland and then Chicago reflects a player still searching for consistency but capable of contributing in the right system.
There is also an underlying concern tied to familiarity. A recent departure joining a division opponent always introduces a layer of intrigue, especially when schemes and tendencies are still fresh.
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Meanwhile, early projections place Chicago at No. 11 and Detroit at No. 7 in ESPN’s power rankings, reinforcing the narrow gap between the two contenders.
“This is one of the quieter off seasons for the Bears in recent history,” Courtney Cronin said. “The Bears have the right coach-quarterback pairing with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams. They established a winning culture that they can build off next season.”
Chicago focuses on pass rush upgrade as roster reshaping continues
While outside storylines build, Chicago’s front office is focused on addressing a clear weakness. The defense struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks last season, recording just 2.1 sacks per game, ranking 21st in the league.
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General manager Ryan Poles responded by adding depth across the unit, bringing in Neville Gallimore, James Lynch, and Kentavius Street along the defensive line, while also reinforcing linebacker and secondary groups with several signings.
The next priority centers on finding a proven pass rusher, and Cameron Jordan stands out as a logical target. The veteran edge defender, now 36, has a strong connection with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen from their time together in New Orleans.
During that stretch from 2015 to 2021, Jordan maintained a Pro Football Focus grade above 82.0 every season and compiled 92.5 sacks, 320 solo tackles, 129 tackles for loss, and 183 quarterback hits.
Financial flexibility remains tight, with just $243K in available cap space before expected adjustments after June 1. Still, projections suggest Jordan could command a one-year deal worth $6.8 million, a manageable figure if Chicago restructures contracts.
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There is a risk tied to age, but recent performance offers reassurance. Despite playing 54% of snaps last season, Jordan recorded 10.5 sacks and earned a 76.0 PFF grade, ranking 24th among 115 edge rushers.
Bringing in a veteran like Jordan would not solve every issue, but it could provide immediate impact and leadership while the Bears continue shaping a more complete defensive identity.
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