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The ideal Dennis Allen edge rusher hit the free agent market and could be an option for the Bears depending on how rookie minicamp goes

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kole Noble | Last updated May 9, 2025 12:29 PM ET

The Chicago Bears still have a few burning questions on the roster following the 2025 NFL Draft including who the starting left tackle will be, is the running back room fully set, and should another defensive end been added to the front.

Time will tell if more decisions will be made but the front office seems to be content with where the roster is currently at heading into the rest of the offseason.

Not landing a top running back or a top edge rusher was a concern for a lot of fans but there's still options out there that could be explored once the team knows what they currently have.

Speaking of which, the Bears will begin the first of three days of rookie minicamp on Friday with eight draft picks, 10 undrafted free agent signings, and multiple camp tryouts looking to prove themselves.

The result of this weekend could be telling for what further moves the team does, or doesn't make. Which includes looking back into the free agent market at a few different positions.

In regards to not finding a top edge rusher so far, patience might work out in the team's favor if they're not pleased with any of the young players this weekend based on an opportunity that popped up this week thanks to a recent NFL transaction.

Panthers Released DE Jadeveon Clowney

This was a shocking move to see hit the wire on Thursday but it makes total sense for the Carolina Panthers, who drafted two top edge rushers during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Now that Clowney is on the market, multiple teams could be interested in bringing him in to round out their defensive front with a proven and experienced veteran.

The #Panthers are releasing edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, per sources. pic.twitter.com/apRKKoWcjN
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 8, 2025

The Bears should be one of those teams. Clowney is a perfect fit for what defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes in his edge rushers, with a big-long frame that can take the pressure off Montez Sweat and the rest of the defensive line.

At this stage of his career, Clowney isn't expected to be a consistent disruptor, but he would fit perfectly into the "waves of pass rushers" general manager Ryan Poles wants to create. And he's still been able to produce, totaling 26.0 sacks over his last four seasons.

Dennis Allen has worked with some highly-drafted defensive ends in the past including Khalil Mack (former 5th overall pick) and Chase Young (former 2nd overall pick). Being able to work with and reestablish a former first overall pick in Clowney makes sense for both sides.

However, it all depends on how the young guys look this weekend to determine whether such an addition is needed. Some of the defensive linemen participating in minicamp this weekend include Shemar Turner, Xavier Carlton, Jereme Robinson, Giovanni Paez, Cole Nelson, and Nana Asare Osafo-Mensah. Keep an eye on these names over the next few days.