The Chicago Bears are making serious moves in the trenches, showing their commitment to strengthening their defense by securing a major addition to their defensive line. The team is set to sign defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo on a three-year, $48 million contract, with a solid $32 million guaranteed. This signing is a clear message that Chicago is focused on building a formidable front, complementing their previous acquisitions and fortifying their defense for the upcoming season.
Addressing a Key Need in the Offseason
When the offseason began, it was no secret that defensive end was one of the Bears' biggest areas of need—second only to the offensive line. With the addition of Odeyingbo, Chicago has found the perfect counterpart to Montez Sweat, creating a dangerous edge-rushing duo that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
Odeyingbo’s time with the Indianapolis Colts was marked by steady growth and impressive production. In 61 career games, including 19 starts, he recorded 106 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. His ability to impact both the pass rush and run defense makes him an exciting addition to the Bears' defensive unit.
Versatility That Enhances the Defensive Line
One of the most intriguing aspects of Odeyingbo’s game is his versatility. He’s not just an edge rusher—he has the ability to move along the defensive line and be effective from multiple positions. Whether lining up off the edge or shifting to the interior on passing downs, he provides Chicago with plenty of options to scheme against opposing offenses.
We spoke with Paul Bretl of Colts Wire to get a deeper insight into what Odeyingbo brings to the table and why he could be a great fit for the Bears.
What Kind of Player Are the Bears Getting in Dayo Odeyingbo?
Paul Bretl: "During his time with the Colts, Odeyingbo became a key piece of their defensive front. His ability to line up at defensive end and slide inside when needed made him a valuable asset. He’s a powerful pass rusher who generates consistent pressure, and at just 25 years old, he still has room to reach his full potential."
The Strengths That Set Him Apart
So, what’s Odeyingbo’s biggest strength? It’s all about getting after the quarterback. While his sack numbers might not immediately pop off the stat sheet, his impact goes beyond just tallying sacks.
Bretl explains: "On the surface, his pressure numbers from last season might not seem eye-catching, but context is key. The Colts' secondary often forced opponents to rely on quick passing, limiting the time available for rushers to convert pressures into sacks. Even with that challenge, he ranked 44th out of 119 defenders in Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) pass rush win rate—demonstrating his ability to beat his man and create disruption."
Areas for Growth
No player is perfect, and while Odeyingbo is a talented defender, there are areas where he can improve. One area in particular is capitalizing on his pressure opportunities and converting them into sacks.
"I wouldn't call it a weakness," Bretl notes, "but it's an area for growth. Last season, Odeyingbo recorded eight sacks, yet he had 42 total pressures, meaning only a handful of those converted into takedowns. If he can improve his finishing ability, his sack numbers could take a big leap in 2025. Additionally, while he’s a serviceable run defender, he hasn’t graded out as elite in that department."
The Impact He Had in Indianapolis
Odeyingbo wasn’t just another player in the Colts' rotation—he was an essential piece of their defensive strategy. His ability to generate pressure and his positional flexibility made him one of the Colts’ most valuable defensive assets.
"He was a key member of the Colts' defensive end rotation," Bretl says. "In 2023, he recorded eight sacks and led the team in pressures. Losing him means the Colts will have a significant void to fill on their defensive front. The Bears are getting a player who can immediately contribute and make a difference."
Why Odeyingbo Is a Perfect Fit for Chicago
What makes Odeyingbo such a great fit for the Bears? It comes down to a combination of size, athleticism, youth, and experience. The Bears were searching for an impact player in free agency, and Odeyingbo checks all the boxes.
Bretl breaks it down: "Teams look for a specific set of traits when investing in free agents—size, athleticism, production, and potential for continued growth. Odeyingbo brings all of that to the table. He’s still young, he’s already productive, and he has room to get even better. His addition should give the Bears an immediate boost in the pass rush and offer them more flexibility in their defensive schemes."
Looking Ahead: What This Signing Means for the Bears' Defense
With Odeyingbo and Sweat as bookends on the defensive line, the Bears are assembling a formidable front that could significantly impact their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The modern NFL is all about disrupting the passing game, and Chicago’s front office has taken a major step toward improving that aspect of their team.
Additionally, having a versatile player like Odeyingbo gives the coaching staff more options in how they deploy their defensive front. Whether he’s lined up on the edge or shifting inside, his presence will give the Bears flexibility and unpredictability—two things every successful defense needs.
Final Thoughts
The Bears’ offseason has been all about making strategic moves to fortify their roster, and signing Dayo Odeyingbo is a prime example of that approach. He brings versatility, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability, all while still being young enough to continue improving. If he can refine his ability to finish plays and convert pressures into sacks, he has the potential to be a game-changer for Chicago.
With the defensive line shaping up to be a major strength for the Bears, fans have every reason to be excited about what’s ahead. Expect Odeyingbo to make his presence felt early and often, helping turn the Bears' defensive front into one of the most feared in the league.
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