Adam Schefter
Verified account
@AdamSchefter
Following Following @AdamSchefter
More
Saints are waiving former 2nd-round pick Hau'oli Kikaha, per source.
This is someone I'd take a look at if I was Pace.
http://bearswire.usatoday.com/2018/...d-provide-bears-with-much-needed-help-at-olb/
Former second-round pick Hau’oli Kikaha was let go by the New Orleans Saints on Friday and will be available for the Chicago Bears on waivers if GM Ryan Pace thinks the pass rusher offers an upgrade at outside linebacker.
Adam Schefter
✔
@AdamSchefter
Saints are waiving former 2nd-round pick Hau'oli Kikaha, per source.
4:29 PM - Aug 31, 2018
Kikaha’s promising career was derailed in 2016 when he suffered a torn ACL and missed the entire season. And while ACL injuries don’t necessarily have the same negative impact they used to, it was the third of Kikaha’s playing career. He suffered two torn ACLs in college at the University of Washington.
Still, Kikaha returned in 2017 and registered four sacks in 12 games (matching his rookie season total), a number that would’ve ranked third on the Bears last season.
As a college prospect, Kikaha flashed impressive pass-rushing traits. He had 19 sacks as a senior and dominated opposing offensive linemen with his initial quickness and violent hands. And even if he’s lost a step since then, he’d still give Chicago a viable option worth considering.
The Bears are eighth on the waiver priority list; it matches the NFL draft first-round order. Kikaha has enough upside for a team slotted ahead of Chicago to claim him, so there’s no guarantee Pace will even have a chance.
But the Bears need an upgrade at outside linebacker. In fact, an argument can be made that Kikaha offers a more talented option than Aaron Lynch, whom the Bears signed to a one-year deal in free agency.
If Kikaha is added through waivers, he’ll slide into the rotation with Sam Acho and Lynch opposite Leonard Floyd. It would also mean a player like Kylie Fitts, Isaiah Irving or Kasim Edebali (whoever ends up making the final roster) will be out of work.