(670 The Score) Newly signed Bears defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo had just three sacks in 17 games with the Colts in 2024. His career-best mark came in 2023, when he had eight sacks.
But sacks don’t tell the full story of Odeyingbo’s impact, as Bears general manager Ryan Poles told reporters Thursday at Halas Hall.
“If you watch the tape, you understand how disruptive he can be, both inside and outside,” Poles said. “And I also believe ... he’s 25, he’s played a few years in the league – and this goes into our collaboration and working well in terms of the front office and coaching staff – we believe that there’s even more room to grow for him to continue to get better.”
The Bears signed Odeyingbo to a three-year deal worth up to $48 million and which includes $32 million guaranteed. The contract became official Thursday, after which Odeyingbo was introduced during a press conference at Halas Hall.
Odeyingbo believes he can be a difference-maker for the Bears.
“Everybody wants more sacks,” Odeyingbo said. “That’s the one number of how they value D-linemen, but anyone who’s around football knows that a D-lineman’s job is a lot bigger than just the sack number. You can affect the quarterback in more ways. I’m sure coach (Ben) Johnson would prefer a forced interception over a sack, but that doesn’t show up in your sack category. Those are the type of things that help the team win that don't necessarily show up in the stat sheet in that sense. That’s a big part of my game.
“I definitely want to see my sack numbers increase, and that just comes with growth and sticking to the plan.”