When thinking about how the Chicago Bears will approach free agency, it’s a safe bet they will try to fill at least one of their biggest roster holes with an aggressive move. They have more than enough cap space to do so. Experts believe it will come down to one of two positions. It will either be a right tackle on offense or a defensive tackle on defense. The Bears had no interior pass rush last season, which was a big reason opposing QBs had lots of success against them. That three-technique spot is vital to Matt Ebeflus’ scheme.
Early signs don’t show much promise for the 2023 draft class. There are some intriguing defensive tackle prospects, but it’s not an overly deep group. Jalen Carter getting into trouble with the law didn’t help. This may force the Bears to find their solution in the veteran market. There are some viable options. Perhaps the most alluring is Dre’Mont Jones. The former 3rd round pick has posted at least 5.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons for the Denver Broncos. His mixture of size and quickness is tailor-made for the three-technique position. Chances are good he will hit the open market. So what might he cost?
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune got a tip on that information.
“Word is Dre’Mont Jones is seeking $18 million per season. The marketplace for high-caliber defensive tackles has soared the last two years, and Jones is a good player. The Denver Broncos remain in talks with him, but it would be surprising if he doesn’t test the market. The Bears were going to pay (overpay) Larry Ogunjobi $13.5 million per season to be the three-technique last year before medical concerns kiboshed the deal. So given their intense need and the lack of options after the Washington Commanders placed the franchise tag on Daron Payne, it stands to reason they might overpay Jones.”
The Chicago Bears can afford Jones. Will they pay that?
It’s not an easy answer. Poles has stated he doesn’t want to get caught overpaying players in free agency. He wants to make smart, selective choices that help the roster. Paying Jones $18 million per year would put him on the same level as Washington Commanders star Jonathan Allen. Nobody would say those two players are the same. Allen is a force. Jones is a good player, but he isn’t that. Then again, the 26-year-old has played in defenses that never fully fit his skill set. Chicago’s would.
Then again, Poles could opt for a cheap route by going after Zach Allen. While he hasn’t been as productive as Jones, he took a big step forward in 2022 and is the same age. Signing him for a few million dollars less might be worth the risk of not getting the same impact. This hinges on how the Chicago Bears view Jones. Nobody in the league can pay more to get him if they think he can thrive in their system. Otherwise, they might not like the idea of paying Pro Bowler money to a guy who has never been to one.
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