James Lynch Looks To Improve Bears Defense

The Chicago Bears have signed defensive lineman James Lynch.

The contract is expected to be for one season, although the monetary amount is currently unknown. Lynch is entering his sixth NFL season. 

Historically, Lynch has been used as a spark plug for the defense off the bench. He’s played in 71 games in the NFL but has only started in four of them.

Last year with the Tennessee Titans, Lynch was in an aggressive system under defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Wilson’s system looked to put tight pressure on the wide receivers and confuse the quarterback. This system can make it easier for defenders to get tackles. Lynch had 25 tackles last season, the second-most of his career. 

Dennis Allen will enter his second season as the Bears’ defensive coordinator. Allen has been in the NFL for a long time. Earlier in his career, he was very aggressive with going for blitzes and QB hits. However, in recent years, he prefers simulated blitzes, which make the QB think there’s going to be a blitz based on pre-snap formation. He also focuses on putting heavy pressure on WRs. In many ways, Allen’s system is similar to Wilson’s. 

Lynch’s best season in the NFL was in 2021 with the Minnesota Vikings. Lynch had 30 tackles in 13 games. The Vikings actually had two defensive coordinators during the 2021 season. Andre Patterson was an expert with the defensive line, while Adam Zimmer was an expert with linebackers. Although this system was good for Lynch, it didn’t work out overall, as the Vikings finished with the No. 24 defense. 

NFL training camps will begin in July. Lynch will need to compete with Neville Gallimore for playing time on the defensive line. Both are aimed at improving the Bears’ No. 25 defense from last season.