clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chicago Bears Not Expecting Defensive Tackle Amobi Okoye To Return

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16:  Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Amobi Okoye #91 of the Chicago Bears during the game on October 16, 2011 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 16: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Amobi Okoye #91 of the Chicago Bears during the game on October 16, 2011 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The Cincinnati Bengals are obviously interested enough in defensive tackle Amobi Okoye that they gave Okoye the honor to reschedule his visit with the Bengals, after the initial meeting on Tuesday conflicted with Notre Dame's Pro Day. Sounds crazy, we know. But then Okoye has been a free agent for over three weeks now and he's not exactly drowning with contract offers.

There's been five teams mentioned as showing interest in Okoye, though only one team has invited him for a reported visit. We can take one of those interested off the list -- and it's not the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Brad Biggs with the Chicago Tribune, Bears General Manager Phil Emery said that Okoye isn't likely returning to Chicago.

"Right now, Amobi is trying to decide which direction he is going," Emery said. "We've had conversations with him. So far, we have not been able to work out a deal. Amobi is probably going in a different direction."

Okoye is an unrestricted free agent that generates some interest as an inside pass rusher to pair with Geno Atkins during obvious passing situations, an upgrade over Nick Hayden, the fourth defensive tackle signed into 2012.

Dan Pompei recently said that Okoye could be signing with a new team soon. We're not exactly sure if that was an informed decision based on other reports if there's a deal that Okoye is close to signing with someone.