Chicago Bears free agent trying to enter Steelers Super Bowl legend territory

The Chicago Bears made a major splash in free agency when they signed edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million contract. As he gets fully acclimated to the Bears, Odeyingbo has one main goal in mind.

While Chicago already had Montez Sweat on the roster, the franchise knew they needed more firepower along their defensive line. Odeyingbo may not be the biggest name in the league, at least yet, but his work with the Indianapolis Colts certainly caught the Bears’ eye.

Setting sights on a Pittsburgh Steelers’ legend

The edge rusher certainly isn’t turning down the bag, but the $48 million he received isn’t what drives Odeyingbo. He wants to be remembered for his contributions, much like former Pittsburgh Steelers star James Harrison. When Odeyingbo finishes his tenure with the Bears, he wants everyone to know his name, via Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.

“(Harrison) had a meaningful career, and everyone knows who he is because of the things he did in big moments,” Odeyingbo said. “That’s what I want to be a part of. That’s why I asked those questions.”

It has been a while since Odeyingbo has played college football. However, his head coach at Vanderbilt – Derek Mason – knows exactly what the Bears are getting. He is exuding confidence that the pass rusher will ultimately achieve his goal.

“What he learned to do is not be driven by the money but by the process of being remembered,” said Derek Mason, Odeyingbo’s head coach at Vanderbilt. “This dude wants to be remembered. He wants to win. I think right now, he’s chasing winning.”

How Dayo Odeyingbo impacts Chicago Bears

Odeyingbo entered the league as a second-round pick of the Colts in 2021. By his second season in the league, the edge rusher was already making an impact, racking up five sacks and 11 quarterback hits while appearing in all 17 games.

But the best was yet to come, as in 2023, Odeyingbo put up a career-highs in both sacks (eight) and quarterback hits (17). In his final season with the Colts, the edge rusher did see his sack numbers drop to three. However, he matched his 17 QB hits, proving he still has a knack for getting to the quarterback.

As he comes to Chicago, the Bears will be counting on Odeyingbo to take an even further step forward. The franchise finished their 2024 season in the middle of the pack with 40. If they want to make some real noise in the NFC North, they know they must wreak more havoc in opposing team’s backfields.

Part of the pass rush issue was the fact that Sweat led the team with just 5.5. Adding a player of Odeyingbo’s caliber should only help Sweat blossom. Opposing offensive lines can no longer focus solely on Sweat as the Bears have another ferocious option charging from the other side.

Like nearly every player on Chicago’s roster, Odeyingbo must prove himself in 2025. But both he and the Bears remain confident that the edge rusher will thrive in his new home. A dominant debut in the Windy City would certainly put Odeyingbo further on the map.