Kyle Van Noy
Getty
A Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler was hit with a five-figure fine for his actions against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
The Chicago Bears made a couple of major investments on the defensive line last spring, one of which proved to be the biggest swing and miss of Ben Johnson’s first offseason as head coach. Now, the franchise has a chance to address that mistake, at least to a degree.
Chicago is not going to cut Dayo Odeyingbo after falling flat in his first campaign in the Windy City in 2025, though the Bears clearly need an upgrade for pass-rushing downs after shelling out nearly $50 million for the defensive end on a three-year deal.
Given his struggles last year, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report saw fit to dub the soon-to-be 27-year-old as the “most overpaid player” on the Bears’ roster following the free-agency period and heading into 2026.
“The Bears gave Odeyingbo a three-year, $48 million deal last offseason in hopes that he’d take another step forward after back-to-back promising campaigns [with the Indianapolis Colts],” Gagnon wrote on Friday, March 27. “But he struggled in his first eight games, registering just one sack and two tackles for loss before suffering a torn Achilles tendon in Week 9. Far from ideal for a guy who will count $20.5 million against the cap in 2026.”
Odeyingbo can play on run and pass downs, and he remains a decent edge-setter who can move inside on third-and-long and help generate an interior pass rush. Beyond that there is almost zero value to cutting him this offseason, and his trade value is at an all-time low coming off a regressive season made worse by injury.
In other words, the Bears are stuck with him for at least 2026. However, they could bolster the pass rush by adding a player like 2024 Pro Bowler Kyle Van Noy on a value contract.
Kyle Van Noy Can Offer Bears Decent Upside at Good Contract Value
Kyle Van Noy
GettyFormer Baltimore Ravens edge-rusher Kyle Van Noy.
Van Noy remains a free agent and will play his 13th NFL season in 2026.
He spent the past three years with the Baltimore Ravens and put up a career-high 12.5 sacks two seasons ago. Van Noy is coming off a two-year deal worth $9 million, but he has earned more than $52 million across his professional career.
Van Noy shouldn’t be an overly expensive option and, despite putting up just two sacks in 15 games last season, could make a lot of sense in Chicago on a one-year agreement at low cost.
Kyle Van Noy Can Help Struggling Bears’ Pass Rush in Situational Role
Kyle Van Noy
GettyFormer Baltimore Ravens pass-rusher Kyle Van Noy.
“Aaron Leming of Windy City Gridiron last week floated Van Noy as an option for the Bears to fill a situational need at edge-rusher.
Van Noy is yet another ageless wonder who experienced a down season in 2025, but has consistently been a pass-rushing force over the last handful of years,” Leming wrote of the two-time Super Bowl champion. “At 35, his best days are well behind him, but in the right role, he could still have plenty of value.”
Chicago’s defense mustered just 35 sacks last season, while finishing near the bottom of the league in pass rush win rate and total quick pressures.