Bears sign DE Byron Cowart

The Chicago Bears have signed defensive end Byron Cowart to a one-year deal, the team announced Monday.

Cowart, 27, is a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019. He’s appeared in 36 NFL games, including 14 starts, during his three seasons, where he’s totaled 41 tackles, five tackles for loss, 1.0 sack and one pass breakup.

During his three-year career, Cowart has had stops with the Patriots (2019-20) and Indianapolis Colts (2022).

Defensive end remains one of the biggest needs for the Bears this offseason. While Montez Sweat is in place, the team needs to find a complement opposite him to serve in a rotational role with DeMarcus Walker.

This offseason, Chicago has signed a couple of reserve/rotational options at edge rusher in Jake Martin and now Cowart. But the NFL draft remains a prime opportunity to add an impact edge defender to pair with Sweat.