Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys
Getty
Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys
The Chicago Bears need at least one more edge-rusher, and they may need him on a budget if the team can’t trade for Maxx Crosby and/or the right player doesn’t fall to head coach Ben Johnson with the No. 25 pick in next month’s NFL draft.
Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron earlier this week authored an examination of Chicago’s biggest remaining roster needs, almost all of which he identified on the defensive side of the football, and the best remaining free-agent fits at each position.
A handful of names came up with regards to the glaring pass-rushing vacancy, though one that stuck out was Jadeveon Clowney, most recently of the Dallas Cowboys.
“Clowney is another interesting name, even if he’s become a year-to-year journeyman since his days in Cleveland,” Leming wrote. “The 33-year-old is a former No. 1 overall pick who has never experienced a 10-sack season, yet has continued to produce at a starting level.”
Jadeveon Clowney Produced Exceptionally Productive Season for Cowboys in 2025
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 19: Jadeveon Clowney #42 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on before a game against the Washington Commanders at AT&T Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GettyDefensive end Jadeveon Clowney, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys.
Clowney is a 12-year veteran of the league and has three Pro Bowls on his resumé.
He played in just 13 games, earning only six starts, for Dallas last season and was still able to amass 12 tackles for loss, 10 quarterback hits and 8.5 sacks to go along with four pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
Clowney will play the upcoming campaign at 33 years old after inking a one-year deal worth $3.45 million with the Cowboys in 2025. Spotrac projects that Clowney’s play in Dallas earned him a moderate raise year over year, but still predicts his number at $5.7 million on a one-season agreement in 2026.
Given his salary and statistical projections, Clowney is the type of player who could make sense for the Bears on a budget if they don’t swing big at the position this offseason. Regardless of path, Chicago has to make some kind of addition on the edge after finishing near the bottom of the league in several vital pass-rush metrics last year.
Bears Have Several Reasonable Options to Add Edge-Rusher in Free Agency, NFL Draft
Cameron Jordan, Saints
GettyDefensive end Cameron Jordan, formerly of the New Orleans Saints.
Other potential options for the Bears at defensive end include Cameron Jordan, most recently of the New Orleans Saints, and Joey Bosa, formerly of the Buffalo Bills.
Each were productive last season, with Jordan putting up 10.5 sacks in his age-36 campaign and Bosa netting five sacks and five forced fumbles at the age of 30. Neither should prove particularly expensive, with Jordan’s market value projected at $6.8 million for one season and Bosa’s at $13.7 million annually over two years.
But Chicago could consider avoiding the edge-rusher market in free agency altogether and look to the draft instead. Field Yates of ESPN predicted in his most recent mock on Tuesday that the Bears will select edge defender Zion Young out of Missouri at No. 25 overall.
“Pass rush is an obvious need after the Bears posted the NFL’s second-worst pass rush win rate in 2025. Young would help improve the unit in a hurry with his power and heavy hands off the edge,” Yates wrote. “He also brings versatility, having played some at defensive tackle during his first two collegiate seasons at Michigan State.”