As the NFL free agency frenzy ignites on March 10, 2025, the Chicago Bears have wasted no time making a splash, securing former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo in a move that’s turning heads across the league. With the legal tampering period underway, the Bears’ front office is signaling a clear intent to bolster their defensive line, pairing Odeyingbo with star Montez Sweat to create a formidable pass-rushing duo. Here’s everything you need to know about the Bears’ free agency coup, Dayo Odeyingbo’s impact, and what it means for Chicago’s 2025 season.

Bears Free Agency Begins with a Bang

The Bears entered free agency with a glaring need opposite Montez Sweat, who led the team with a modest 5.5 sacks in 2024. Enter Dayo Odeyingbo, a 25-year-old edge rusher who’s agreed to a three-year, $48 million deal, with $32 million guaranteed. Announced as the legal tampering period opened at 12:00 PM ET on March 10, this signing—set to become official on March 12 at 4:00 PM ET—marks a pivotal step in Chicago’s defensive rebuild. At $16 million per year, Odeyingbo’s contract reflects the premium placed on young, ascending talent in today’s NFL.

Odeyingbo, often simply called “Dayo” by fans, brings a blend of size (6’6”, 286 lbs) and athleticism that fits perfectly into Matt Eberflus’ scheme—ironic, given Eberflus coached him as a Colt in 2021. Drafted in the second round out of Vanderbilt, Odeyingbo’s career trajectory has been promising, peaking with an eight-sack season in 2023 before settling at three sacks in 2024. His 19 quarterback pressures last year, though, hint at untapped potential—exactly what the Bears are banking on.

Why Dayo Odeyingbo Fits the Bears

Chicago’s pass rush ranked 16th in the NFL with 40 sacks last season, a middling stat that belied their need for a consistent complement to Sweat. Odeyingbo’s addition addresses that gap. His 66.1 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024 (54th among 119 edge rushers) may not scream elite, but his 17 quarterback hits would’ve ranked second on the Bears—a clear upgrade. At 25, he’s young enough to grow alongside Chicago’s core, offering long-term value in a free agency market where proven edge rushers command top dollar.

The Bears’ familiarity with Odeyingbo gives them an edge. Eberflus, who was Indy’s defensive coordinator during Dayo’s rookie year, knows how to deploy his size and versatility. Whether setting the edge against the run or chasing quarterbacks, Odeyingbo’s physical tools align with Chicago’s vision of a disruptive front four. Pair him with Sweat, and the Bears suddenly have a tandem that could terrorize NFC North QBs like Jared Goff and Jordan Love.

Bears Free Agency Strategy: All-In on Defense?

The Odeyingbo signing is just the tip of the iceberg for Bears free agency in 2025. With over $60 million in cap space and three picks in the first two rounds of the draft, GM Ryan Poles is clearly prioritizing the trenches. While offense has dominated Chicago’s offseason chatter—thanks to trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson—snagging Dayo Odeyingbo shows Poles isn’t neglecting the defense. Could more moves follow? Names like Joey Bosa or Chase Young remain on the market, but Odeyingbo’s youth and cost make him a smarter play.

For Bears fans, this move is a statement: Chicago isn’t content with mediocrity. After a 2024 season that fell short of playoff expectations, the Odeyingbo acquisition signals a shift toward contention. At 12:24 PM PDT on March 10, 2025, the buzz around Halas Hall is palpable—Dayo Odeyingbo might just be the spark this defense needs.

What’s Next for the Bears and Odeyingbo?

As free agency unfolds, expect the Bears to keep tweaking their roster. Odeyingbo slots in as the presumptive starter opposite Sweat, but Poles could still draft a young edge rusher to deepen the rotation. For Dayo, the pressure’s on to justify his $16 million AAV and prove he’s more than a rotational piece. If he recaptures his 2023 form, the Bears could boast a top-10 pass rush by season’s end—a game-changer for a team eyeing the playoffs.