The Chicago Bears released pass rusher DeMarcus Walker back in late February. The move was shocking for a lot of fans, considering the Bears were relatively weak at the edge rusher position.
The Bears signed Walker in 2023 to a three-year deal worth $21 million. Walker, 30, was released along with tight end Gerald Everett to free up additional salary cap space for the Bears heading into free agency. General manager Ryan Poles spoke to the media on Walker’s release, stating there was a bit of a gray area in the new defensive scheme with Dennis Allen coming in as the new defensive coordinator.
“Any time you have gray in terms of fit with the scheme change and their contract situation, I think giving them the opportunity, giving their representations opportunities, to come to the combine and get their names out there,” Poles said. “They can get a good seat at the table with a team before all the seats are taken.”
Unfortunately for Walker, that’s not the case. Despite still being a free agent, CBS Sports lists Walker as the top defensive lineman available, noting the former second-round pick had a career-high 17 starts while recording a career-high 47 tackles with 4.5 sacks last season. A team would benefit by adding Walker into their defensive rotation up front, and here are four teams that could sign the former Bear.
Landing Spots for Former Bears’ DE DeMarcus Walker
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens always seem to get the best out of aging veterans like Kyle Van Noy and Derrick Henry, and with the announcement that longtime Raven Michael Pierce is retiring after eight seasons, it’ll be wise to sign Walker. He’ll fit in nicely with Nnamdi Madubuike, Broderick Washington, and be the perfect mentor for 2025 sixth-round pick Aeneas Peebles.
Los Angeles Chargers
After the departure of Joey Bosa and Poona Ford, the Los Angeles Chargers could look to add additional help up front. The Chargers will be asking a lot out of 2022 fifth-round pick Otito Ogbonnia, and adding Walker in the mix could help ease the transition into a bigger role for Ogbonnia.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Super Bowl runner-ups could use some additional pass-rushing help. After the departures of Tershawn Wharton and Josh Uche in free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs could bring in Walker as a mentor for the younger guys like Omarr Norman-Lott and Felix Anudike-Uzomah. The depth is relatively thin if a guy like George Karlaftis or Chris Jones goes down with an injury, and Walker is a seasoned vet who could immediately contribute for the Chiefs.
Detroit Lions
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton listed Walker as the one move the Detroit Lions need to make before the start of the season, stating, “DeMarcus Walker moved between the defensive line and outside linebacker early in his career with the Denver Broncos. After settling in as an edge-rusher, he’s provided quality depth and started in 29 games over the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears. The Lions cut Za’Darius Smith. Marcus Davenport has missed 28 games over the previous two terms. Walker would be a more reliable starter and rotational pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who’s working his way back from a fractured tibia and fibula.” It’ll be a low-risk move for a contending team looking to make the next push to reach the Super Bowl.
Main Image: Andrew Nelles – USA Today Sports
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