One of the best free agency deals was the Chicago Bears’ acquisition of Dayo Odeyingbo.

Chicago Bears’ Signing of Dayo Odeyingbo Listed Among Best Value Moves of Free Agency

The NFL offseason is a time for teams to address their needs, retool their rosters, and position themselves for success in the upcoming season. For the Chicago Bears, the 2025 offseason has been a crucial one as they continue their rebuilding efforts under the leadership of General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus. Among the most notable moves the Bears made was the signing of Dayo Odeyingbo, a versatile defensive lineman, to a contract that has garnered significant attention for its value. Odeyingbo’s arrival has not only strengthened the Bears’ defensive line but has also been considered one of the best value moves of the 2025 free agency period.

This article will examine why the signing of Dayo Odeyingbo has been widely praised, what he brings to the Bears’ defense, and how this acquisition fits into the broader context of the team’s rebuild. From his background to the Bears’ specific needs, we will analyze the various elements that make Odeyingbo’s signing a potential game-changer for the franchise.

Dayo Odeyingbo: The Player and His Background

Dayo Odeyingbo, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound defensive end, entered the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2021 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Despite suffering an Achilles injury that caused him to miss his entire rookie season, Odeyingbo showed promise in his sophomore year. In his second season (2022), he played in 16 games, starting in 12 of them, and flashed the kind of talent that made him a highly regarded prospect coming out of Vanderbilt.

At Vanderbilt, Odeyingbo was known for his explosive first step, strong hand placement, and ability to set the edge in both the run and passing games. His college production was impressive, registering 20.5 tackles for loss and 9 sacks over his final two seasons. He was a highly regarded prospect in the 2021 draft due to his physical attributes, combination of size, power, and quickness, and his ability to play both inside and outside on the defensive line.

While Odeyingbo has not yet reached the elite level of pass rusher that some scouts envisioned, his potential has been clear. In 2023, his ability to impact games as both a disruptor in the running game and a solid contributor to the pass rush continued to improve. His versatility in various defensive schemes has made him an appealing option for many teams looking to strengthen their defensive line.

Why Dayo Odeyingbo’s Signing Is Considered One of the Best Value Moves of Free Agency

The Chicago Bears’ decision to sign Odeyingbo was a calculated move that immediately bolstered their defensive front. While some free-agent signings come with substantial price tags due to big expectations, the Bears were able to secure Odeyingbo at a reasonable cost, making it one of the best value moves of the 2025 offseason. Here are the key reasons why the signing of Odeyingbo has been widely viewed as an excellent value:

1. Filling a Key Need on the Defensive Line

One of the most pressing areas of concern for the Bears in recent years has been their defensive line, particularly when it comes to pass rushing. While they have some solid pieces like defensive linemen Justin Jones and veteran linebacker Roquan Smith, the Bears have struggled to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A dominant edge rusher is one of the most coveted assets in today’s NFL, and securing a player like Odeyingbo, who possesses the physical tools to become a high-impact player, is crucial for Chicago’s defensive success.

The Bears’ defensive line was often inconsistent in 2024, with too many games where the pass rush was ineffective. With Odeyingbo, they gain a player who can potentially be disruptive in both the run game and as a pass rusher, offering the versatility that the Bears’ defense desperately needed. He provides the Bears with a player who can line up as an edge rusher on passing downs or move inside as a pass-rushing defensive tackle on third-and-long situations, helping to create mismatches against opposing offenses.

While the Bears did spend the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a potential quarterback of the future, bolstering the defense through value-driven moves like the Odeyingbo signing demonstrates that Poles and Eberflus understand the importance of fielding a balanced team. Their defense, which has lacked consistency in recent years, now has a player who can impact both phases of the game.

2. High Potential for Development

Although Dayo Odeyingbo has shown promise in his first few seasons in the NFL, he is still far from his ceiling. This is what makes the signing such great value—Odeyingbo comes with potential that could be realized with the right coaching and development. Under Eberflus, who has a track record of improving defensive players, Odeyingbo has the chance to take his game to the next level.

The Bears’ defensive system places an emphasis on versatility and player development, with Eberflus and his coaching staff having worked wonders with previous players. If Odeyingbo can refine his pass-rush moves and further develop his ability to read offensive linemen, there is little doubt he could become a difference-maker for the Bears. This development potential is particularly valuable because it means that the Bears are signing a player who has yet to fully tap into his skills, allowing them to acquire him before he becomes a potential star.

Odeyingbo’s age (24) also plays a significant role in his value. At such a young age, he has plenty of room to grow both physically and mentally, which is why he could be one of the best bargains in free agency if he continues to develop.

3. Affordable Contract

In the hyper-competitive NFL free agent market, the cost of adding a player like Odeyingbo is typically quite high, especially when the player has shown flashes of being a disruptive force on defense. However, the Bears were able to sign him to an affordable contract that provides them with the opportunity to capitalize on his potential without breaking the bank.

By signing Odeyingbo to a contract that is relatively inexpensive compared to the market for similar players, the Bears have secured an affordable asset that could give them significant returns. This allows the team to allocate resources toward other key positions of need, such as wide receiver, cornerback, or linebacker, while still improving their defensive line.

The flexibility that comes with Odeyingbo’s contract allows the Bears to build a more balanced roster, something that is essential for their continued success. This affordable signing is a textbook example of finding value in free agency by targeting young players with untapped potential who are looking for an opportunity to prove themselves.

4. Providing Depth and Versatility

In addition to his potential as a starter, Odeyingbo provides the Bears with much-needed depth along the defensive line. Injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL season, and having a player like Odeyingbo, who can step into multiple roles and contribute in various situations, is invaluable. Whether it’s playing as an edge rusher on first and second downs or moving inside in obvious passing situations, Odeyingbo’s versatility gives Eberflus flexibility in his defensive schemes.

The Bears are also likely planning to rotate their defensive linemen frequently to keep them fresh throughout the season, and Odeyingbo’s ability to perform in different roles makes him an ideal fit for this strategy. His flexibility will also allow the Bears to experiment with different alignments, putting additional pressure on opposing offenses and maximizing the potential of their entire defensive line.

5. Adding Youth to the Defensive Front

The Bears’ defense has undergone several changes over the past few seasons, and the addition of Odeyingbo adds youth to the defensive line. While the team has some experienced players, like Jones and Smith, adding young talent to the mix is critical for the Bears as they continue to build for the future.

Odeyingbo, still in the early stages of his career, brings energy and freshness to the defense, which is an important component of any successful team. His age and skill set make him an ideal piece to build around as the Bears continue their efforts to transform into a competitive NFC contender.

How Odeyingbo Fits into the Bears’ Long-Term Strategy

The signing of Dayo Odeyingbo reflects the Bears’ broader strategy of finding high-value, low-cost players who can contribute immediately and have the potential to develop into key pieces of the future. The Bears have not been afraid to make bold moves in free agency, but they also understand that smart, cost-effective signings like this can pay massive dividends down the line.

By adding Odeyingbo, the Bears now have a defensive lineman who can fill an immediate need and provide much-needed depth, while also offering the potential for growth and development. This aligns perfectly with the team’s long-term vision, which includes developing young players, building through the draft, and making strategic investments in free agency to avoid overspending.

As the Bears continue to rebuild and retool their roster, they will undoubtedly continue to target players who offer high potential at affordable prices. Signing players like Odeyingbo is an example of how a team can intelligently navigate free agency without making huge financial commitments, while still improving its roster.