\n Chicago Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (55) warms up with teammates during NFL football practice at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo\/Nam Y. Huh)
\n AP\n <\/p>\n
The wait is almost over. The Bears will return to the practice field July 23 when they hold their first training camp practice under new head coach Ben Johnson.<\/p>\n
Over two weeks, we are counting down the top 10 most important Bears heading into the 2025 season. Importance is obviously subjective. But for our purposes, it comes down to these questions:<\/p>\n
Are the Bears worse off without the player? Does the player have untapped potential or past greatness to live up to? Is his story going to be one fans follow closely this season?<\/p>\n
The best player on the team isn\u2019t always the most important, but he certainly can be.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a look at No. 8 on the list. Check back in over the next two weeks to see the top-10 most important Bears.<\/p>\n
No. 8 Dayo Odeyingbo<\/p>\n
Position: Defensive end<\/p>\n
Experience: Fifth season<\/p>\n
Looking back: Bears general manager Ryan Poles found what he expected to be his franchise pass rusher in 2023 when he traded for and extended Montez Sweat. But Poles has struggled to find someone to produce opposite of Sweat consistently since then.<\/p>\n
Poles signed who he expects to be the solution when he brought in Dayo Odeyingbo this offseason on a three-year, $48 million deal. He didn\u2019t sign another pass rusher in free agency and didn\u2019t address the position in April\u2019s draft.<\/p>\n
After a delayed start to his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts because of a torn Achilles tendon, Odeyingbo has played in 61 games and started 19 over four seasons. He\u2019s put together 16\u00bd sacks and 46 quarterback hits during that time, with a career-high 8 sacks in 2023. In his first season as a regular starter last year, Odeyingbo finished with 3 sacks and 17 quarterback hits.<\/p>\n
The Bears brought in Odeyingbo based on his potential. At 6-foot-6, 286 pounds, Odeyingbo has the length, size and speed Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen looks for in the edge rush position. Odeyingbo will get a chance to prove he was worth the trust and investment.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead: Odeyingbo will get plenty of opportunities to prove himself at the start of training camp. Last year\u2019s fifth-round selection Austin Booker as well as Daniel Hardy and Dominique Robinson will all compete for snaps. But all eyes will be on Odeyingbo to see whether he can make a difference opposite of Sweat.<\/p>\n
Poles\u2019 other additions to the defensive line this offseason should help open things up for Odeyingbo and Sweat. Poles signed defensive tackle Grady Jarrett during free agency and drafted tackle Shemar Turner in the second round of this year\u2019s draft. Poles, Johnson and Allen have all emphasized the importance of pressure from the inside opening things on the outside.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why the Bears plan to use Odeyingbo\u2019s versatility. Odeyingbo has shown he can play at different points on the defensive line, which could cause confusion and mismatches for opposing offensive lines.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you watch the tape, you understand how disruptive he can be,\u201d Poles said in March after signing Odeyingbo. \u201cAnd again, both inside and outside. I also believe \u2014 he\u2019s 25, he\u2019s played a few years in the league. Honestly \u2014 and this goes into our collaboration and working well in terms of front office and coaching staff \u2014 we believe that there\u2019s even more room to grow, for him to continue to get better.\u201d<\/p>\n
If Odeyingbo does take that step, it will in turn force opponents to focus on him and open things up for Sweat. The Bears will need a consistent pass rush for its defense to play to its potential this season. Odeyingbo will play a major role in its success this season.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) stiff-arms Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (54) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo\/Darron Cummings)
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