3 months ago
The Cincinnati Bengals had a joint practice with the Chicago Bears this afternoon, and almost everything went off without a hitch.
Of course, a few scuffles popped up during these things, but one in particular involved Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Reporters on the scene said that Dayo Odeyingbo held onto Burrow's jersey and refused to let go, causing a brief scuffle that thankfully did not escalate further.
You imagine there will be fights over contact. Especially the guys constantly colliding in the trenches, but for a defender to make contact with an opposing team's quarterback in this situation is fairly uncalled for.
I won't go as far as to say it was dirty as much as it is just a dumb thing to do. It is not surprising to hear this led to a fight.
#Chicago #bears #burrow #odeyingbo
Of course, a few scuffles popped up during these things, but one in particular involved Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
Reporters on the scene said that Dayo Odeyingbo held onto Burrow's jersey and refused to let go, causing a brief scuffle that thankfully did not escalate further.
You imagine there will be fights over contact. Especially the guys constantly colliding in the trenches, but for a defender to make contact with an opposing team's quarterback in this situation is fairly uncalled for.
I won't go as far as to say it was dirty as much as it is just a dumb thing to do. It is not surprising to hear this led to a fight.
#Chicago #bears #burrow #odeyingbo
4 months ago
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for a hyped 2026 season, where they're looking to build off their impressive first season under head coach Ben Johnson, which included an NFC North **** le and a wild-card playoff win. While they found success in 2025, it's a brand new slate for this Bears team following an offseason of change, including the departures of key veterans and the additions of new veterans and exciting rookies.
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We'll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
At No. 17 is edge rusher Austin Booker, who made major strides in Year 2 after becoming the starter following Dayo Odeyingbo's season-ending injury. With the lack of moves being made at the position, it seems like the Bears are counting on Booker to be a major contributor in 2026.
Position: Edge rusher
Age: 23
The work begins in training camp, where Johnson will put his team through the wringer with the intent to prepare them for the 2026 season. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2026 season. We'll recap their 2025 season, look ahead to 2026 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.
At No. 17 is edge rusher Austin Booker, who made major strides in Year 2 after becoming the starter following Dayo Odeyingbo's season-ending injury. With the lack of moves being made at the position, it seems like the Bears are counting on Booker to be a major contributor in 2026.
Position: Edge rusher
Age: 23
4 months ago
Back in March, the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens agreed to a deal to send Maxx Crosby to Baltimore in exchange for two first-round draft picks. However, after a failed physical due to a serious knee issue, the AFC North franchise backed out of the deal entirely.
Several months later, Crosby is still a Raider, but the possibility of a trade remains. Here are three teams that could pursue the superstar pass rusher as training camp approaches.
Leading up to the initial deal, which ultimately fell through, no team was more often linked to Crosby than the Bears. Chicago took a massive step forward last season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, winning 11 games and finishing atop the NFC North.
Their offense was electric down the stretch, thanks to major contributions from Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, and rookie pass-catchers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. Unfortunately, they lacked that same level of firepower on defense, which proved very costly at times last season.
The Bears’ current pass-rushing group features Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker, while Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett operate on the interior. They also added defensive tackle Neville Gallimore this offseason.
Several months later, Crosby is still a Raider, but the possibility of a trade remains. Here are three teams that could pursue the superstar pass rusher as training camp approaches.
Leading up to the initial deal, which ultimately fell through, no team was more often linked to Crosby than the Bears. Chicago took a massive step forward last season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, winning 11 games and finishing atop the NFC North.
Their offense was electric down the stretch, thanks to major contributions from Caleb Williams, D’Andre Swift, DJ Moore, and rookie pass-catchers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. Unfortunately, they lacked that same level of firepower on defense, which proved very costly at times last season.
The Bears’ current pass-rushing group features Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, and Austin Booker, while Gervon Dexter Sr. and Grady Jarrett operate on the interior. They also added defensive tackle Neville Gallimore this offseason.
5 months ago
Dayo Odeyingbo's first season with the Chicago Bears didn't go according to plan, as he only played in eight games after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Coming off a career year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, Odeyingbo received his first big pay day with a three-year, $48 million contract, including $32 million guaranteed, with the Bears last offseason. It was the same offseason that general manager Ryan Poles signed veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, retooled the offensive line, and hired head coach Ben Johnson.
With only 16.5 career sacks upon arriving in Chicago, the move seemed questionable, but Odeyingbo planned to prove his worth to the city. In his short sample size last season, he tallied just one sack, four QB hits, 21 tackles, and two tackles for loss.
The need for a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat was obvious when the Bears signed Odeyingbo, and it was apparent when he left. Who knows how his 2025 season would have ended, but having another rusher available would have made a significant impact.
With Chicago wrapping their offseason program ahead of training camp next month, Odeyingbo, seven months removed from the Achilles injury, has already been on the practice field, and he seems like a motivated Dayo.
Coming off a career year with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024, Odeyingbo received his first big pay day with a three-year, $48 million contract, including $32 million guaranteed, with the Bears last offseason. It was the same offseason that general manager Ryan Poles signed veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, retooled the offensive line, and hired head coach Ben Johnson.
With only 16.5 career sacks upon arriving in Chicago, the move seemed questionable, but Odeyingbo planned to prove his worth to the city. In his short sample size last season, he tallied just one sack, four QB hits, 21 tackles, and two tackles for loss.
The need for a pass rusher opposite Montez Sweat was obvious when the Bears signed Odeyingbo, and it was apparent when he left. Who knows how his 2025 season would have ended, but having another rusher available would have made a significant impact.
With Chicago wrapping their offseason program ahead of training camp next month, Odeyingbo, seven months removed from the Achilles injury, has already been on the practice field, and he seems like a motivated Dayo.
5 months ago
The Chicago Bears are in the midst of their final voluntary organized team activity (OTA) running from June 2-4, and with the media at Halas Hall today, we got some updates.
Both defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards were at practice today, although neither participated in the team portion. Odeyingbo tore his Achilles in November and Edwards broke his ankle in January. Their participation is a positive sign towards them being ready for the season.
Not at practice were nickel Kyler Gordon, defensive back Cam Lewis, or defensive end Montez Sweat.
Regarding Gordon, head coach Ben Johnson said, “We know he’s a good player when he’s out there, but trust level is a huge thing for this team, for this coaching staff, for the locker room. You can only develop that trust by being available.”
This coaching regime was in place when Gordon’s contract was extended a year ago, so you know they value what he can bring to the table. He just needs to get himself healthy and on the field.
Both defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and linebacker T.J. Edwards were at practice today, although neither participated in the team portion. Odeyingbo tore his Achilles in November and Edwards broke his ankle in January. Their participation is a positive sign towards them being ready for the season.
Not at practice were nickel Kyler Gordon, defensive back Cam Lewis, or defensive end Montez Sweat.
Regarding Gordon, head coach Ben Johnson said, “We know he’s a good player when he’s out there, but trust level is a huge thing for this team, for this coaching staff, for the locker room. You can only develop that trust by being available.”
This coaching regime was in place when Gordon’s contract was extended a year ago, so you know they value what he can bring to the table. He just needs to get himself healthy and on the field.