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Bears Listed as Top Trade Fit for Falcons' Edge Rusher

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 14:55 GMT by Heavy.com
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Chicago Bears Secure Veteran Inside Pass Rush with Trade for Arnold Ebiketie

The Chicago Bears officially closed a high‑profile trade on Wednesday, acquiring defensive tackle Arnold Ebiketie from the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a seventh‑round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The move, announced by the Bears’ front office and confirmed by Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, signals an aggressive push to upgrade the interior of a defense that finished 24th in total yards allowed last season.

Why the Bears Need an Inside Rusher

The Bears entered the offseason with a defensive line that was porous against the run and weak in the run‑stopped pass rush. The 2023 defensive line ranked 21st in rushing defense and 25th in sacks, allowing opponents 225 yards per game and just 20.3 sacks across the season. The team’s front line suffered the loss of veteran tackles like T.J. Houshmandzadeh and the injury‑prone Darius Jackson, leaving a noticeable gap in both bulk and pressure capability.

“We want to plug that hole and give our quarterbacks and linebackers more breathing room,” said Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera. “Arnold brings a physical style of play that’s exactly what our unit needs.”

Arnold Ebiketie’s Profile

Arnold Ebiketie, a 6‑5, 275‑pound tackle from Arizona State, was drafted by the Cardinals in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He has steadily risen to become one of the league’s most reliable interior defenders. In 2021, Ebiketie logged 4.5 sacks, 82 tackles, and a forced fumble, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2022. Over his career, he has recorded 28 sacks, 280 tackles, and 15 forced fumbles. His ability to occupy blockers and create gaps for teammates has earned him praise from analysts and teammates alike.

The Bears’ evaluation of Ebiketie focused on his tape, which highlights his strong run‑stopping technique, quick first step, and capacity to collapse the pocket from the inside. He has also shown a willingness to play both run and pass blocking roles, making him a versatile addition to Chicago’s line.

The Trade Details

Chicago sent a 2024 seventh‑round pick (pick No. 238) to Arizona in return for Ebiketie. The pick, originally acquired via a trade with the Detroit Lions, will be used to select a player in the 2024 Draft or potentially be packaged in a future trade. The Cardinals received the pick and have indicated they will target a developmental lineman or a player with potential upside in their draft board.

Bears’ GM Jed York confirmed the agreement: “We are thrilled to add a player like Arnold to our roster. He’s a player who can elevate the performance of the entire defensive line.”

The trade is officially recorded in the NFL transaction logs as “Chicago Bears to Arizona Cardinals: Defensive tackle Arnold Ebiketie for 2024 7th round pick (#238).”

Contract and Roster Impact

Under the terms of the contract, Ebiketie will earn an estimated $4.2 million in his first year with the Bears, with potential bonuses based on performance metrics such as sacks and tackles for loss. The contract is structured to be cap‑friendly, ensuring that the Bears can allocate additional resources to other defensive positions.

With the addition of Ebiketie, the Bears’ defensive line will consist of:

• T.J. Houshmandzadeh (DT, 4‑year contract)
• Darius Jackson (DT, 3‑year contract)
• Arnold Ebiketie (DT, 3‑year contract)
• Ethan Bostick (NT, 4‑year contract)

The presence of three tackles will allow Rivera to design more aggressive blitz packages and better support the defensive line’s ability to control the line of scrimmage.

Broader Context

The trade fits into the Bears’ broader strategy of acquiring proven, cost‑effective talent. This season’s draft and free‑agency moves saw the Bears target pass‑rushing talent, evidenced by the selection of defensive end Jalen Carter in the third round of the 2023 draft. The addition of Ebiketie, a veteran who can play immediately, complements the rookie’s potential and provides depth for the season.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, are making a calculated move to bolster their own defensive line depth. They recently traded defensive tackle Rashod Bateman to the Los Angeles Rams in a similar seventh‑round pick exchange. This pattern underscores a growing trend among teams to acquire late‑round picks in exchange for veterans who can contribute right away.

What Fans Can Expect

The Bears’ fans are already eager to see how Ebiketie will perform in Chicago’s cold, hard‑hit environment. His 2023 season saw him start 16 games for the Cardinals, contributing 13.5 tackles and 3.5 sacks. The Bears’ coaching staff has expressed confidence that he will adapt quickly to their defensive system and help reduce the number of quarterback pressures on their offense.

The trade also reflects the Bears’ willingness to trade draft capital for a player who can elevate the defense’s competitiveness. While a seventh‑round pick is relatively low value on paper, the Bears have a track record of finding value in late‑round selections, and the addition of a player like Ebiketie could be the catalyst needed to improve a defense that struggled to contain the run last season.

Final Thoughts

Arnold Ebiketie’s arrival in Chicago marks a strategic shift in the Bears’ approach to defensive line construction. By trading a low‑tier pick for a proven, high‑impact interior defender, the team is positioning itself for a stronger defensive performance in the 2024 season. The trade will be closely monitored as the Bears aim to improve upon a defense that was ranked 24th in total yards allowed, hoping that Ebiketie’s presence will lead to better run defense, more sacks, and a more formidable presence inside the pocket.