With the NFL's offseason activities in full swing, it's crunch time for free agents hoping to find a home before the pads come on for mandatory minicamps and eventually, training camps. Veterans like former Chicago Bear DeMarcus Walker find themselves in a precarious position as the clock ticks toward the season's start.
Walker, a 30-year-old edge rusher, reached free agency after his contract with the Bears expired this spring. Now, amid the organized team activities (OTAs) bustling across the league, he's in the thick of the hunt for a new team. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by recent developments on the player market, reshaping potential destinations.
One such development is the impending trade involving Philadelphia Eagles' edge rusher Bryce Huff to the San Francisco 49ers. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal—which includes Huff reworking his contract and a mid-round draft pick heading back to the Eagles—won’t officially close until after the June 1 financial window. Huff, having showcased his prowess with 10 sacks and 67 pressures during his 2023 tenure with the New York Giants, found his snap count taper off, resulting in his absence during the Eagles' Super Bowl victory over the Chiefs.
Although the 49ers might have been a long shot for Walker due to Huff's connection with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the finalized trade means crossing another team off his list. Walker, who had a solid run with the Bears, recorded as many sacks in the last two years (7.0) as during his standout 2022 season with the Tennessee Titans. Despite starting 42 games for the Bears, his impact was measured with a pressure rate peaking at 9.6%.
Even though the Bears have moved forward, signing Dayo Odeyingbo and pairing him with Montez Sweat, Walker’s opportunity to latch onto a team continues to dwindle. The 49ers, now being off the table, compress the available options for Walker as he strives to keep his NFL career moving forward by finding a squad ready to use his services when the new season kicks off.
