Bears are a perfect destination for this superstar pass-rusher

The Chicago Bears have done a lot of work on their roster this offseason, but one area they have really neglected is their defensive front.

The Bears didn’t sign any defensive linemen in free agency, and they also did not pick one up in the NFL Draft.

That leaves Chicago very thin up front, and it also means that one of its biggest weaknesses from 2023 will probably represent the team’s No. 1 weakness in 2024.

The Bears finished second-to-last in the NFL with just 30 sacks last season. Yes, they acquired Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, and he did register six sacks in just nine games with Chicago. But even if he were there a full season, he wouldn’t have moved the needle that much.

To make matters worse, the Bears’ second and third-best pass-rushers from 2023—Justin Jones and Yannick Ngakoue—are no longer on the roster. Jones signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency, and Chicago has simply elected not to bring back Ngakoue, who remains available.

That’s why Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder has listed the Bears as a potential trade destination for New England Patriots edge-rusher Matthew Judon.

Judon has two years remaining on his deal, but he may no longer fit the timeline of the rebuilding Patriots. There has been no indication that New England is looking to move him, but that could always change if a rival team—like Chicago—gets desperate heading into the regular season.

The 31-year-old played in just four games in 2023 due to a torn bicep, but during his time on the field, he was productive, logging 13 tackles and four sacks.

Judon joined the Pats in 2021 and broke out as a pass-rusher with the club, registering 60 tackles and 12.5 sacks in his debut campaign there and following that up by racking up 60 tackles and 15.5 sacks in 2022.

The Bears could certainly use that type of production along their front seven, and they have the cap space to absorb Judon.

Considering Judon doesn’t really make much sense long-term in New England, Chicago should absolutely be picking up the phone and calling the Pats to see if he is available.

The Bears could almost certainly land Judon without having to surrender a first-round pick.