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Chicago Bears: Wins Have Followed Their Trades for Pass Rushers

By Erik Lambert

LOS ANGELES - 1986: Defensive tackle Dan Hampton #99 of the Chicago Bears rushes after quarterback Marc Wilson #6 of the Los Angeles Raiders during a game in 1986 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - 1986: Defensive tackle Dan Hampton #99 of the Chicago Bears rushes after quarterback Marc Wilson #6 of the Los Angeles Raiders during a game in 1986 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO – OCTOBER 04: Adewale Ogunleye #93 of the Chicago Bears rushes against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO – OCTOBER 04: Adewale Ogunleye #93 of the Chicago Bears rushes against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Traded for Adewale Ogunleye (2004)

In 2004, new Bears head coach Lovie Smith felt the defense he was trying to construct needed a genuine pass rusher. Something they didn’t have the past few years. Having already whiffed on Michael Haynes the year before in the draft, they decided to try the trade market instead. It just so happened that the Miami Dolphins were making Pro Bowler Adewale Ogunleye available. They needed help on offense, so a deal became possible.

Composition:

  • Marty Booker and a 3rd round pick in 2005 to Miami
  • Ogunleye to Chicago

The move paid immediate dividends. Ogunleye had 10 sacks in 2005, helping the Bears to the playoffs. Then in 2006, he had 6.5 more along with two in the playoffs, one of which led to their winning the NFC championship game and advancing to the Super Bowl. Ogunleye was never a true star in Chicago but he did the job he was brought in to do.

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