In Bizarre Twist, Vikings Turncoat Opts to Retire Rather than Keep Playing for Bears

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In Bizarre Twist, Vikings Turncoat Opts to Retire Rather than Keep Playing for Bears

In Bizarre Twist, Vikings Turncoat Opts to Retire Rather than Keep Playing for Bears — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

K. Joudry · Vikings Territory

Tue, Oct 6, 2026 ·

3 min read

Vikings Turncoat Decides to Call it a Career

Rapoport notes that there have been four stops for Davenport. Check 'em out:

New Orleans Saints: 2018-2022

Minnesota Vikings: 2023

Detroit Lions: 2024-2025

Chicago Bears: 2026

Once word emerged of Davenport's deal with the Bears, the online football world fired up the Packers comments. Going to just one more sport in the North would lead to playing for all four teams in the division, a rare achievement that few achieve. Alas, that Davenport dream appears to be done.

Oct 1, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) is hurried by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Marcus Davenport (0) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports.

Davenport disappointed in his lonely season with horns on his helmet. The issue was a familiar culprit: injury.

The edge rusher missed the great majority of the '23 season. There was a Carolina game where he was out there and dominant. As a result, the Vikings got a quick glimpse of what the pass rush could be with the insanely talented player working alongside Danielle Hunter.

Instead of that upside, though, Minnesota had to rally around Mr. Hunter as the lonely reliable pass rushing presence. The Vikings sent over a deal worth $13,000,000 for just four games and three starts.

So, there was a pivot in 2024, notably moving toward (essentially) a brand new front seven that got built around Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel as the top pair ( a Kwesi Adofo-Mensah masterclass , albeit with some ongoing quibbles on my end about seeing Hunter depart).

If memory serves, the Lions were enthusiastic about adding Davenport into the mix — again, huge ability — but the veteran couldn't fully figure things out in Motown, either. Availability was again the issue.

Detroit Lions defensive end Marcus Davenport (92) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bears will be looking for some added help for the pass rushing department with the news of Marcus Davenport stepping away. Montez Sweat, a good player, has been the top option over there for a little while, but he's good without being great.

Failing to add another threat will hinder Chicago's chances of going from a good regular season team to a team that can make noise in the playoffs.

Per Over the Cap , Marcus Davenport has made more than $40 million in his career.

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