The Chicago Bears are finally taking steps to strengthen their pass rush for the 2024 season, signing a seasoned defensive end Jacob Martin to a one-year contract.
Martin is a 28-year-old pass rusher with 18 total sacks despite mostly serving as a backup during his six-year career. He played 14 games for the Houston Texans in 2021 and achieved career-best statistics in sacks (four), tackles for loss (five), total tackles (23), forced fumbles (two) and pass deflections (three).
While Martin was a backup for the Indianapolis Colts, he brings 85 tackles, 18 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles with him throughout his career. The Bears officially declared Martin’s signing on Saturday, March 16.
Martin provides depth for the Bears and may play a significant role in the 2024 lineup depending on the team’s plans for their defensive line. They already have Montez Sweat as their primary pass rusher and could potentially draft a top rookie to support him in the 2024 NFL draft. Martin will compete with DeMarcus Walker and Dominique Robinson — if he remains on the team — during training camp.
The Bears have signed a total of nine free agents since the beginning of the 2024 league year on March 13, but Martin marks their first acquisition for the defensive line.
Keenan Allen Trade Could Mean EDGE for No. 9 Pick
The Bears are expected to select a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick following the trade for trading Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Their move to acquire six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen on March 14 may hint at their plans for their other first-round pick — No. 9 overall. The Bears have formed a formidable duo of receivers with Allen and superstar , but their pursuit of Allen might suggest a reduced interest in targeting one of the top receivers in the 2024 draft class with their ninth overall pick. If this is the case, it would make sense for the Bears to pursue one of the top pass rushers with the No. 9 pick and find a dynamic and cost-effective partner for Sweat.
Alabama’s Dallas Turner could be an excellent fit for them with exceptional pass-rushing abilities and high-end speed that would complement Sweat’s skill set. Turner recorded a 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine and secured 10 sacks in 2023, making the most of his opportunity to replace DJ MooreWill Anderson Jr
for the Crimson Tide. Florida State’s Jared Verse and UCLA’s Laiatu Latu also have impressive qualities. Latu missed two seasons due to a 2020 neck injury, which may raise concerns among NFL scouts, so the Bears might be hesitant to pick him, but Verse is possibly the most well-rounded pass rusher in the class. Any of the three would be a valuable addition at No. 9.Bears Could Still Trade Down From No. 9 & Land DE
The Bears’ decision to acquire Allen might lead them to prioritize an edge rusher over a wide receiver in the first round of the 2024 draft, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they will stay at No. 9 in the draft order.
The Bears only have four picks in the 2024 draft now, as they traded a fourth-rounder for Allen and a fifth-rounder for an interior lineman.
They gave away their second-round pick for Sweat at last year’s NFL trade deadline, and previously traded their sixth- and seventh-rounders for other players.
Ryan BatesThey didn't receive a 2024 selection in exchange for Fields, as many expected.Dan FeeneyIf the Bears are not happy with their situation, they might consider moving back from No. 9 to gain more draft capital, especially if most of the edge rushers are still available.The Denver Broncos
The Minnesota Vikings and The Bears might be able to move back and still pick one of the previously mentioned three pass rushers, but if they miss out on the top three talents, they could consider Penn State’s Chop Robinson or Missouri’s Darius Robinson. The Chicago Bears have added a veteran edge rusher with 18 career sacks to their 2024 roster in less than a week into NFL free agency.
The Bears might be able to move back and still land one of the previously mentioned three pass rushers, but Penn State’s Chop Robinson or Missouri’s Darius Robinson are enticing options if they slide too deep and miss out on the top three talents in the class.
