Jason Babin to Eagles heating up, Bears cooling off

The Bears were definitely interested in Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Babin, although how much is unclear.

But as the prospect of him coming to Chicago cools, the prospect of Babin returning to Philadelphia, where he played in 2009, are heating up

The Bears may have been interested in Babin because of personnel executive Tim Ruskell, who, as team president then, brought him to Seattle via a trade with the Houston Texans. But Babin only played four games in two seasons. He bounced around to the Kansas City Chiefs and Eagles before landing in Tennessee last season.

The Titans were richly rewarded with 12 1/2 sacks. His defensive line coach there was Jim Washburn.

This offseason, Washburn was hired in Philadelphia. During an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live, Babin spoke of his fondness for Washburn.

Why were the Bears interested?

Bears coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli always say they can never have enough quality defensive linemen, and Babin’s work ethic could have been a nice fit. But, ultimately, the Bears probably had a price in mind, hoping they’d get Babin at a discount, and the Eagles — clearly in need of help on the defensive line — may have priced them out of the market.