Caleb Williams may have gotten his first NFL win on Sunday, but the Chicago Bears' defense was the star of the show.
With two sacks, a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and a pick-six, (not to mention a blocked punt touchdown by the special teams), the Bears found a way to get themselves to 1-0 without making any real progress on offense.
It was an eye-opening game for the rest of the NFC North, who might not have been impressed by what they saw from the Bears' offense, but now know they must respect the Chicago defense.
If the Bears want to make the playoffs in 2024, perhaps their defense will be the unit to carry them. But to increase their chances, they may want to explore trades for affordable defenders with high upside, turning that defensive unit into a true powder keg.
One such fit is the New York Giants' Azeez Ojulari, who Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox listed as the second-best player on his current "NFL trade big board" on Wednesday.
"The Giants could soon be looking at another lost season and may consider selling off pieces who could leave in 2025 free agency," Knox said. "Ojulari had eight sacks as a rookie and another 5.5 sacks in 2022, and he recorded 56 quarterback pressures in 35 games over the last three seasons."
"However, Ojulari also landed on injured reserve in each of the past two seasons and did not see a prominent role in Week 1—he recorded one tackle while playing a mere 24 defensive snaps."
Kicking the tires on Ojulari could be very beneficial to the Bears if the price tag is dropping.
Once a second-round pick, the 24-year-old can play multiple positions, generates a lot of pressure, and has a knack for forcing fumbles. His six forced fumbles in 2022 tied him for third among all NFL defenders.
Because he is heading into free agency, Ojulari could either be a one-year rental or, if the Bears like him, they can try and work out an extension before he hits the open market.
It seems logical that Ojulari should be available, given that he has seemingly fallen out of favor with a Giants team headed for the cellar. The Bears would be wise to beat other contending teams to the punch.
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