The Chicago Bears have signed veteran defensive end Marcus Davenport to a one-year contract, in a move aimed at bolstering their pass rush. The ninth-year player, who recently underwent a physical, joins the team with hopes of reviving the form that made him a first-round pick in 2018.

Davenport, who will turn 30 on September 4, was originally selected 14th overall by the New Orleans Saints out of Texas-San Antonio. His signing reunites him with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who served in the same role with New Orleans during Davenport’s early career. The connection between the two is seen as a potential factor in unlocking his previous productivity.

The Bears become the third team in the NFC North to employ Davenport since 2020, following stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions. However, recent seasons have been hampered by injuries. In 2023 with Minnesota, Davenport appeared in only four games due to a high-ankle sprain, recording two sacks before being placed on injured reserve. The following year in Detroit, his action was further limited by a triceps injury, restricting him to two games and two sacks.

Davenport began his NFL career strongly, compiling 10.5 sacks over his first two seasons under Allen in New Orleans, and achieving a career-high nine sacks in 2021. Nonetheless, his production has declined sharply in recent years, with just four sacks and 19 quarterback hits across 29 games over the last four seasons.

Despite these challenges, Bears general manager Ryan Poles described the signing as a low-risk opportunity to add veteran experience and pass-rush potential. Davenport’s size—standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds—brings an imposing physical presence to the defensive line. However, questions remain whether he can regain his earlier impact and provide a significant boost to the Bears’ defense.