The Bears’ depth along the edge (aside from Montez Sweat) is a question mark entering training camp. Plenty of time remains for a veteran addition to be made, but for the time being Chicago is not actively seeking one out. 
[RELATED: Sweat Would Not Have Debuted With Bears Before Signing Extension]
“We feel really comfortable with the guys that we have on our roster now,” general manager Ryan Poles said of the defensive end position during a Friday press conference (via The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain). “We will always have our eyes on the list of players we can potentially bring in.”
With $12.2MM in cap space, the Bears can certainly afford a modest investment along the edge, something which has been mentioned as a possibility during the offseason. Chicago added Yannick Ngakoue late in the summer last year, and he served as a starter when healthy. The journeyman sack artist logged a 72% defensive snap share before a broken ankle shut him down for the season.
Ngakoue has returned to full health since then, but he has yet to be linked to any suitors. Given that, along the the Bears’ lack of other moves at the position, a return to the Windy City could be in the cards. The 29-year-old inked a $10.5MM deal in 2023, but his injury and career-low four sacks last season will no doubt force him to take a less lucrative pact this year.
Aside from Sweat, the Bears’ veteran options at the defensive end spot include the likes of Jacob Martin, Khalid Kareem and Dominique Robinson. Chicago also selected Austin Booker in the fifth round of the draft, and he could fill a rotational role as a rookie. Training camp will no doubt be a key determinant in whether of not Poles decides that group is sufficient or an addition is required.