Chicago Bears Exploring Veteran Help Opposite Montez Sweat

Why Marcus Davenport Makes Sense for the Chicago Bears

Davenport has had an inconsistent NFL career since entering the league in 2018. He has demonstrated his upside, especially during the 2021 season when he recorded nine sacks, nine tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles.

While he hasn't produced at that level consistently, he at least would be entering a situation in which he would be familiar with the scheme to potentially have a similar season again. Dennis Allen is now the Bears' defensive coordinator, and Davenport played under Allen in New Orleans from 2018 through 2022. 

Allen already knows Davenport's strengths, weaknesses, and what type of role would fit him best. He also spent the past two seasons on the Detroit Lions, where Ben Johnson came from, giving those two a year in 2024 when they would've been around each other there to become a bit familiar. 

No matter what, the Bears need more defensive end depth if they are truly going to solve their weakness from a season ago while ensuring they have enough depth as well if an unforeseen injury happens.

Davenport remains available because there are concerns with him being 29 years old and having dealt with enough injuries that he has played just 14 games across the last three seasons. With coming to Chicago, though, he wouldn't be relied on as a full-time starter, but rather as someone who has the traits to provide rotational help throughout the season.