In Odeyingbo, the Bears are paying $48 million for his potential, which Odeyingbo said improves as he enters each season. He learned this as a rookie, when he was limited to 10 games after suffering a torn achilles in his final season at Vanderbilt.

Most defensive ends are not 286 pounds but the defensive scheme of new coordinator Dennis Allen dictates a player on one side this size and Dayo Odeyingbo fits the position.

After making three separate moves to acquire offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, the team addressed their need for an edge rusher opposite Montez Sweat by agreeing to terms with Dayo Odeyingbo on a three-year deal worth $48 million, $32 million of which is guaranteed.