The Chicago Bears have been in the spotlight with their recent moves.
Fans are still talking about the trading of Khalil Mack, the team’s biggest defensive star, to the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team has also released Eddie Goldman and is allowing Akiem Hicks to test the free agency market.
That signals to fans that the Bears want to retool their defense around new head coach Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus Has Experience Working With The Defense
In his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Eberflus served as the defensive coordinator.
So he knows how the defense should look on the field.
Trading Mack shows the Bears feel that Eberflus can help develop new defensive talent into his mold.
For the team to become a solid and lasting defense, they need young talent.
The Bears have some of that already with linebacker Roquan Smith.
Plus, Eberflus was able to get some help when it came to rebuilding the defense for 2022.
Bears Signed Four Of Eberflus’ Former Defensive Colleagues
Eberflus was able to get Chicago to sign four of the people he worked with during his time with the Colts.
I am surprised #Colts are letting #Bears Eberflus take most of the defensive coaches to Chicago w/ him
— JasonColclasure (@DrCubColclasure) January 30, 2022
Former Colts defensive backs coach Alan Williams is now the defensive coordinator for the Bears.
Second, the team would snag Dave Borgonzi and hire him as the linebackers coach.
Third, the Bears and Eberflus had James Rowe come to the team as the defensive backs coach.
Lastly, the final piece for the team was acquiring David Overstreet II to assist Rowe with defensive backs coaching.
The retooled coaching staff on the defense is familiar with Eberflus.
That gives the Bears the best opportunity of molding the new defense to his liking.
Bears Make A Splash In Free Agency Market
While the team has lost some top talent, the Bears didn’t delay replacing them.
One of the moves they made was to sign linebacker Nicholas Morrow.
Another signing they made was defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.
Ogunjobi was part of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl defense and will replace Goldman, who the Bears released.
The move also gives the team a player that consistently puts in a great effort each play.
This play shows what the #Bears getting out of Larry Ogunjobi.
Speed. Power. Effort. He can rush the passer and stuff the run. He’s a true three-down DL. pic.twitter.com/SyhIIqX5XB
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 14, 2022
Those are just some of the defensive pieces that the Bears are putting together for Eberflus.
Bears Look To Keep Up The Free Agency Momentum
The Bears aren’t done yet with free agency, as they are now going after safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Keep an eye on the #Bears for free agent safety Tyann Mathieu, per source. A connect of note: New GM Ryan Poles worked in Kansas City when they signed Mathieu to begin with.
— Evan Massey (@massey_evan) March 15, 2022
Mathieu can fill the gap that has been left since the team parted ways with Adrian Amos.
A confirmed signing of Mathieu will show the Bears are looking to improve their pass defense.
While these moves are a complete retooling of the defense, it shows someone wants the defense to return to their old nickname, The Monsters of the Midway.
The release and trades might have looked monstrous at the beginning for Chicago.
However, they have turned things around with the free agency signing that they have made.
If they wish, the Bears also have the draft to pick up additional help for the defense.
NEXT: Matt Eberflus Now On The Matt Nagy Path In Chicago