Chicago Bears 2025 Roster Turnover: Plenty of work to do at defensive end
In this 13-part series, we’ll take an in-depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye toward the 2025 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Poles make.
The Chicago Bears got an early start on remaking their defensive end group by cutting starter DeMarcus Walker last week. At 6’4”, 280, I thought Walker fit the type of defensive end that new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes, but at his salary ($5.25M saved) and age (31 in September), I understand why the Bears made the move.
At his NFL Combine press conference, general manager Ryan Poles discussed why they cut Walker and tight end Gerald Everett when they did.
“Any time you have gray in terms of fit with the scheme change and their contract situation, I think giving them the opportunity, giving their representations opportunities, to come to the combine and get their names out there,” Poles said from Indy. “They can get a good seat at the table with a team before all the seats are taken.”
Walker will land on his feet, and the Bears will address the position in free agency and the draft.
Here are Chicago’s current defensive ends.
Montez Sweat – Signed through 2027 – It was a down year for the Bears’ defense and a down year for Sweat. Pro Football Reference had him down for just 22 pressures (hurries + knockdowns + sacks), which was his fewest in his career.
Austin Booker – Signed through 2027 – Booker played in all 17 games last year, and he had just 21 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and four QB hits, but his effort showed on all 283 defensive snaps. This is a big offseason for Booker to add some good weight, get stronger, and hone his technique. He’s the youngest player on the roster, and I expect him to build off his rookie season.
Dominique Robinson – Signed through 2025 – Dom-Rob has declined every year since his rookie season, and he was a healthy scratch several times in 2024. He’s under contract, so he’ll be around in 2025, but this may be his last summer with the Bears.
Darrell Taylor – Free agent – Taylor was Chicago’s DE3 last season, and he had a career low three sacks.
Jacob Martin – Free agent – Martin matched Taylor’s three sacks in 153 fewer snaps.
Daniel Hardy – Exclusive rights free agent – Hardy played in 85% of the Bears’ special teams snaps in 2024, but he may not be a scheme fit for Allen’s defense.
Jamree Kromah – Signed through 2025* – He started the season with the Bears practice squad, was signed away by the Patriots where he stayed for a few weeks, was cut, and landed back on Chicago’s practice squad and signed a reserve/futures deal.
*He’ll be an exclusive rights free agent in 2026.
2025 OUTLOOK – The Bears have a lot of work to do at defensive end. They need a starter opposite Sweat, and they need a reliable number three because I don’t think they can count on Booker making a big enough leap to be the first DE off the bench.
Philly’s Josh Sweat may cash in with the biggest free agent deal due to his age (27), but the best defensive end available in free agency is 34-year-old Khalil Mack, which would make for a fun story returning to Chicago. But he’s probably going to be looking for a 2025 shot at a ring. Mack began his career with Allen when he was head coach for the Raiders, so there’s some familiarity there.
Another player Allen is familiar with is Chase Young, who played last year in New Orleans, racking up 5.5 sacks as their DE3.
Payton Turner is another Saint defensive end who would make sense if Allen wanted one of his guys to come over as DE4.
The draft could bring a top prospect as Georgia’s Mykel Williams, Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart, Marshall’s Mike Green, or Landon Jackson from Arkansas all have traits that could make sense for the Bears in the first round.
What do you think the Bears will do at defensive end this season?
