Bears Parting Ways with Former Broncos’ Second-Round Pick
DeMarcus Walker, the former second-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos, is now looking for a new team. The Chicago Bears are parting ways with the veteran defensive end, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Walker, who started all 17 games for the Bears in 2024, will be released over three weeks before free agency begins.
The #Bears are releasing veteran DE DeMarcus Walker, sources say. A leader for Chicago who started all 17 games last season, the 30-year-old Walker heads to the market more than three weeks ahead of free agency. pic.twitter.com/nrt4NCMcHo
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 21, 2025
Walker, part of the Broncos’ 2017 draft class, had trouble finding a consistent role in Denver. Early in his career, the Broncos switched his position from a defensive end to a stand-up outside linebacker, which wasn’t a successful transition for either him or the team.
A similar situation occurred with Drew Sanders, the Broncos’ 2023 third-round pick, whose position changes were hampered by injury. In Walker’s case, once the Broncos moved him back to defensive end, he showed improvement. In 2020, his final season with Denver, he earned four starts and recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks before entering free agency.
After short stints with Houston and Tennessee, Walker signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Bears in 2023. Although he missed five starts in his first year, he started all 17 games in 2024, but his performance did not match his salary. Over his time with Chicago, Walker has totaled seven sacks, leading to his release.
Now, at 30, the Florida State alum will look for a new opportunity on the open market, possibly earning another lucrative deal. For perspective, the Broncos selected Walker with the 51st overall pick in the 2017 draft, the same second-round pick they will hold in 2025. Let’s hope this year’s pick proves to be more successful.
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