The Bears signed veteran edge rusher Marcus Davenport, a former first-round pick, to a one-year deal Monday.
Davenport, whom Saints made him the 14th pick of the 2018 draft, figures to be a depth piece. Despite starting seven games for the Lions last year, Davenport didn’t put up strong pass rush statistics. He ranked 103rd out of 115 edge rushers graded by Pro Football Focus. He had nine sacks in 2021 and a total of four in the four seasons since.
He knows the Bears, though. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen coached him in New Orleans and Ben Johnson was on the Lions staff in 2024 when he played there. The Bears brought Davenport in for a visit Sunday.
The Bears’ top three defensive ends during training camp have been Montez Sweat, Austin Booker and Dayo Odeyingbo. Sweat returned to practice Sunday after missing 10 days due to injury. The team plans to use Odeyingbo at defensive tackle on certain passing downs.
To make room, the Bears waived tight end Nikola Kalinic with an injury designation after he hurt his knee in the first quarter Saturday. Running back Coleman Bennett was waived. They also signed Deantre Prince, who played for the UFL’s Louisville Kings this year.
