The Chicago Bears made a splash in NFL free agency in agreeing to terms with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds on a four-year, $72 million deal with $50 million guaranteed.
Walker is coming off a career year with the Tennessee Titans with notched 7.0 sacks, 32 pressures and 16 QB hits. While he’s not the splash signing fans have been waiting for, he’s an upgrade along the defensive line and should serve in a key rotational role in Matt Eberflus’ defense.
We spoke to Mike Moraitis of Titans Wire, who gave us the rundown on what we can expect from the Bears’ new defensive lineman and why he could be a good fit for Chicago.
1
What kind of player are the Bears getting in DeMarcus Walker?
Mike Moraitis: Walker is a really good rotational player who can impact the game, both in the pass-rush and against the run. He’s also versatile with his ability to play standing up or with his hand in the dirt.
2
What’s Walker’s biggest strength(s)?
MM: Walker’s ability to get to the quarterback certainly deserves respect, and he’s almost equally as good against the run. He’s also a chess piece that can be moved around.
3
What’s Walker’s biggest need(s) for improvement?
MM: I would not drop Walker back into coverage if the plan is to have him play standing up, and he does have to prove that he can thrive in a more regular role if that’s what the Bears have planned for him. Walker is a career backup who could get exposed if he plays too much, and we can’t discount the fact that he was playing alongside two very good defensive linemen in Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons, both of whom no doubt took attention off Walker.
4
What impact did Walker have on defense during his time with the Titans?
MM: The Titans had so many injuries all over the place last year but Walker remained available, playing in all 17 games for Tennessee. He helped pick up the slack when Simmons and Autry went down with injuries during the season and was someone Tennessee was no doubt interested in bringing back.
5
Why do you think Walker could be a good fit for the Bears?
MM: I personally wouldn’t have paid $7 million per for Walker, as that’s more along the lines of starter money for a guy who, again, has been a backup his entire career and has never flashed what he showed in 2022. However, seeing as how Walker nearly had more QB hits (16) than the Bears as a team (20), the move makes more sense with that context. Walker will no doubt be an upgrade but I remain skeptical that he’s equipped to handle a bigger role than the one he had in Tennessee.
