The Chicago Bears are sitting at 0–2, and they face the same issue with their pass rush as they did in previous seasons. Put simply, it doesn’t exist.
Their run defense could also use a significant boost. That’s why it would make sense for Chicago to poach defensive tackle Gabe Hall off the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
It’s early in the season, but Chicago’s defensive line hasn’t exactly set the league on fire. Defensive end Montez Sweat, the team’s $98 million man, has six total tackles through two games and zero sacks. Veteran DT Grady Jarrett has also played two games, accumulating two QB hits and four total tackles — one solo and three assists. He has yet to record a sack, forced fumble or a TFL.
Considering Hall’s skill set and current availability, it might not be a bad thing to add a hungry young D-lineman to the mix.
Some Background on Philadelphia Eagles Edge Gabe Hall
GettyThe Chicago Bears should sign Eagles defensive tackle Gabe Hall.
At 6-foot-6 and nearly 295 pounds, Hall was a former standout at Baylor with arms as long as vines and a frame that can be disruptive, to say the least.
He’s got the length to stack and shed, and enough power to collapse the interior pocket when guards can’t anchor. His measurables—the 83-inch wingspan and 31.5-inch vertical jump—still carry plenty of intrigue.
At Baylor, he posted 17 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in 47 games. He’s not going to win on sheer quickness, but he can muddy up running lanes and shove the pocket back into the quarterback’s lap. The Eagles signed him as an UDFA last season, and he spent most of the season on the practice squad. He’s not going to get many snaps behind the duo of Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, so he’d likely welcome a shot at competing on another team’s roster.
He’s also there for the taking. Philadelphia waived him after signing Za’Darius Smith, before quietly signing him back onto the practice squad. By NFL rule, the Bears could sign him straight onto their 53-man roster, and the Eagles couldn’t stop it. It’s the kind of low-risk, high-upside addition that doesn’t cost you draft capital but can give you instant depth.
Why the Chicago Bears Should Sign DE Gabe Hall off Philadelphia Eagles Practice Squad
Hall made his NFL debut in Week 1 for Philadelphia this season, playing on special teams.
For the Bears, the price of adding the young DT would be nothing but a roster spot. Signing Hall would mean committing to three weeks on the 53-man roster, and that’s it. No giving up draft picks, no big money, no long-term gamble. For a defense that just gave up 52 points to Detroit, Dennis Allen and company need all the help and depth they can get.
Adding Hall would give them a long, tough, developmental piece who could help immediately in the rotation — and ideally even more down the line. For a team already in need of all the help it can get pass rush-wise, poaching Hall seems like a no-brainer.
Bears Could Poach Hulking D-Lineman From Eagles to Help Pass Rush