The Chicago Bears officially release defensive end Demarcus Walker who now becomes available on the market. According to reports, he and tight end Gerald Everett are the first two releases from the organization which saves the team’s salary cap. The Everett release but the Walker one could become questionable depending on what the Bears will do as far as offseason moves. However, there have been rumors that Chicago is targeting an upgrade in their pass-rushing unit and Walker’s release could be a teaser of them heading in that direction.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Florida State product was heading into the final year of his current contract targeting to earn more than $5 million. Despite that, the defensive end spent the first four seasons with the Denver Broncos and became a journeyman for the Titans and Texans. Walker wasn’t as explosive but many reports indicate that after recording 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits, the Bears could be making a mistake. This will be up to what the Bears will do in free agency to salvage the pass-rushing unit since they could target high-end talent like Khalil Mack and Micah Parsons.
For Walker, it’s hard to tell what type of market he will receive but he should earn a one-year deal on a prove-it deal. He won’t start but Walker could be a reliable rotational piece to boost the Raven, Chargers defense next season.
Ravens, Chargers Logical Fits for Bears Release Free Agent Demarcus Walker
Strengthening Baltimore’s Defense
The Baltimore Ravens offense was spectacular last season but it wasn’t enough to make up for the simple mistakes the defense made. The secondary unit didn’t help alleviate the weight from most games coming down to the last wire so they possibly need to improve the pass rush at this point. Trenton Simpson is not a good replacement after losing Jadeveon Clowney in free agency last offseason so Roquan Smith and Kyle Van Noy had to struggle to keep this unit on balance. As much as Baltimore will continue to punch their ticket in the postseason, the defensive unit is what it comes down to trying to beat out a competitive AFC.
Demarcus Walker is no superstar but he’s a significant upgrade to give some relief on that edge that’s missing the veteran presence. This is why the Ravens originally brought back Yannick Ngakoue to bring some relief but later released so the team had to depend on Broderick Washington. Walker could earn a role and make the defense better.
Salvaging Jim’s Trenches
For the Chargers, it’s hard to tell what the future holds for key defenders like Khalil Mack. The Chargers want him back but no word if he has the same feelings after contemplating retirement. Joey Bosa will likely get cut so they need all the help they can get to keep establishing a physical old-school defense set forth by head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Poona Ford should return to the roster after having a phenomenal year. With that, the Chargers are better off signing Walker to give him assistance on the opposite end. Walker won’t be on the same level but after the 2025 season, he should be in the same position that Ford is in ready to sign a long-term deal.
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