While pass rush was certainly a need, it wasn’t at the top of the list for the Bears this offseason. But Chicago just added an All-Pro pass rusher to line up opposite Khalil Mack, and suddenly the Bears’ already-dominant defense looks unblockable.
The Bears agreed to terms with All-Pro edge rusher Robert Quinn on a five-year deal worth $70 million with $30 million guaranteed. With the signing, Chicago released former first-round pick Leonard Floyd and freed up $13.2 million in salary cap space.
Quinn is most definitely an upgrade over Floyd. In fact, he’s everything Floyd was not. Considering what Quinn was able to do without a force like Mack lined up across from him, there’s no doubt that he’ll be able to take advantage of Mack’s presence in a way that Floyd could not.
While Quinn will be 30 years old when this season begins, he’s in the prime of his career. Quinn is coming off an All-Pro season with the Cowboys, where he notched 11.5 sacks. Over his career, Quinn has averaged nine sacks per season.
By comparison, the most sacks Floyd managed in a single season was seven. Not to mention Floyd’s sack total has declined every year he’s been in the NFL.
It’s interesting to note that Quinn is just two years older than Floyd — and he’s everything the Bears were hoping to get out of Floyd. Given that Floyd was due $13.2 million in 2020 and Quinn is looking at roughly $14 million per season, it was an easy decision for general manager Ryan Pace.
When you look at Chicago’s front-seven, it’s impossible not to get excited, especially about what Quinn brings to the table.
Khalil Mack. Robert Quinn. Akiem Hicks. Eddie Goldman. Bilal Nichols. Roquan Smith. Danny Trevathan.
You can’t block everyone. Pick your poison.
Bears fans haven’t seen what a pass rusher is capable of doing opposite Mack on this defense. They’re about to see with Quinn.
Grade: A
What do you think, Bears fans? How would you grade Chicago’s signing of Quinn?
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