The Chicago Bears continue to make moves to address depth on defense, as well as contributors on special teams. Their latest addition is former first-round pick Barkevious Mingo, who the Bears signed to serve a reserve role at pass rusher and contribute on special teams.
Mingo has been in the NFL for seven seasons, and he’ll get a chance to make a name for himself as a reserve on one of the league’s best defenses.
Following a disappointing season for Chicago’s pass rush, the Bears have made key additions next to Khalil Mack, including the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn. Now, Mingo gets a chance to work with both.
Here are five things to know about the Bears’ newest pass rusher:
1. Mingo has history with Bears coaching staff
As he makes his way to Chicago, Mingo already has some experience working with two members of the Bears’ coaching staff. Mingo spent one year with the Colts in 2017, which happened to mark Bears defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano’s final season as head coach in Indianapolis.
But Mingo has the most history with Bears special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, who served the same role with the Browns during Mingo’s first three years in the league. And given Mingo’s special teams prowess, he’s no stranger to Coach Tabor.
2. His best season came with the Seahawks in 2018
If there’s something that should be encouraging for the Bears, it’s that Mingo seems to thrive with great defenses. And lucky for Chicago, they have one of the best in the NFL.
Mingo’s best season came with the Seahawks in 2018, where he started 14 games and notched a career-high 48 tackles, one sack, one pass defensed and two forced fumbles. Just imagine what he can do in a reserve role with Khalil Mack or Robert Quinn on the other side in Chicago.
3. Mingo was the 6th overall pick in 2013
Mingo is the second former first-round pick that the Bears have brought in on a one-year prove-it deal, joining cornerback Artie Burns. Mingo was a highly-touted defensive end coming out of LSU, which is why the Browns selected Mingo with the sixth overall draft pick in 2013.
Mingo hasn’t exactly lived up to his first-round billing. But, like Burns, he gets a chance to make a name for himself on one of the NFL’s best defenses in Chicago. Just look at what guys like Nick Williams and Nick Kwiatkoski accomplished in reserve roles, and both were signed to new deals elsewhere.
4. He’s a valuable special teams contributor
The Bears have quietly been reinforcing their special teams, a unit that rebounded last season following a difficult 2018 season. Chicago has brought in players that specialize in a defensive role but also have been valuable special teams contributors over their careers.
Mingo is the latest special teams ace that brings with him seven years of experience, as well as history with special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. While Chicago’s special teams certainly improved last season, they still have some progress to make after ranking 13th in 2019.
5. Mingo won a Super Bowl with the Patriots in 2017
After spending his first three seasons with the Browns, Mingo was traded to the Patriots for a fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. While Mingo served as a fourth outside linebacker on New England’s roster, he did get his opportunity to play in all 16 games in a reserve role.
Mingo appeared in Super Bowl LI, where the Patriots mounted a legendary comeback against the Falcons to win 34-28. Mingo played exclusively on special teams. He recorded two tackles while covering two punt returns.
