Bears Expected To Sign Marcus Davenport

Davenport spent the past two years in Detroit, totaling just 10 games over that span. After a lengthy free agent spell, the former first-rounder is set to make another move within the NFC North. He will look to carve out a rotational role in Chicago, a team long linked to an addition along the edge. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen previously coached Davenport in New Orleans.

Fluctuations in production have been commonplace throughout Davenport’s career. The former Saint managed nine sacks in 2021 but he has not come close to matching that figure since. Significant workloads have nevertheless followed Davenport wherever he has gone in the NFL. His four-game Vikings tenure included a regular role when healthy, and he logged over half of the defensive snaps during both of his seasons in the Motor City.

After securing $10MM in guarantees from Minnesota, Davenport saw his first Detroit deal drop in value. That continued once again in 2025, as he remained in place but did so via a one-year, $1.65MM pact. A similar contract can be expected this time around, given the timing of this news and the lack of other known suitors. The Bears entered Monday with roughly $4.73MM in cap space, ranking them near the bottom of the league in that regard.

Montez Sweat is set to once again lead the way in terms of Chicago’s pass rush in 2026. Dayo Odeyingbo is also still in the fold after signing a three-year free agent deal last spring (but making just eight appearances during his first Bears campaign). Austin Booker logged nine starts and set a new career high with 4.5 sacks in 2025. Another step forward on his part would be key to improving Chicago’s production along the edge.

Either way, Davenport will offer the team with a veteran presence along the defensive front. A healthy season would help the Bears’ chances of repeating last year’s success while also boosting his 2027 market.