The Chicago Bears aren’t in a position to go on a spending spree in free agency again. They’re wrapped up in too many difficult contracts. Still, Bears general manager Ryan Poles should be able to create enough space to take at least one calculated swing. It would have to be for somebody who won’t command a huge contract but can still be a big help to the roster. There will be options on that front. It is a question of what head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen want to prioritize.
Insider Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated did a breakdown of the top 50 pending free agents this year, revealing how much they will likely cost and their possible landing spots. The Bears were connected to three of these names. One you’ll know very well. The other two require further exploration.
26. Bryan Cook, S, Chiefs
Projected contract: Three years, $45 million
Potential landing spots: Bears, Steelers
29. Khalil Mack, edge, Chargers
Projected contract: One year, $12 million
Potential landing spots: Bears, Buccaneers, Lions
44. Leo Chenal, LB, Chiefs
Projected contract: Three years, $25 million
Potential landing spots: Bills, Bears
Mack was a star for the Bears from 2018 through 2021 before being traded to the Chargers. Though considerably older at 35, he’s still an effective pass rusher. The Bears need one. As for Cook and Chenal, they require some digging.
The Chicago Bears are looking for more speed.
That was the directive Johnson issued at the start of the offseason. He wants the team to get faster. That is especially true on defense. Chenal definitely checks that box. The linebacker ran a 4.53 in the 40 at his combine, and it shows on tape. He has the range and agility to hang with running backs and tight ends in coverage. The reason you don’t hear about him too often is that he’s only been a part-time defender in Kansas City, playing an average of 45-50% of their snaps over the past three years. Despite that, he still compiled 183 tackles, six sacks, and an interception.
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Cook was compared to Julian Blackmon coming out of college, and that has held up pretty well. He’s not the flashiest player in the world, but he’s dependable and versatile. He can handle himself in coverage and does dirty work around the line of scrimmage. What stands out the most is his personality. He’s known for being tough, physical, and a vocal leader. You could call him another Jaquan Brisker type. The appeal is pretty obvious. However, the expected money makes that idea problematic.
Out of the group, one stands above the rest.
Sadly, it’s not Mack. While a reunion would be great, the $12 million price tag isn’t something the Bears can really entertain. The same goes for Cook’s $15 million. That means if the Chicago Bears pursue anybody, it will be Chenal. It makes sense. He’s been itching for a more full-time role. The Bears are expected to unload Tremaine Edmunds within the next week. Noah Sewell is recovering from a season-ending injury. The door is wide open for a new starter to step in. Chenal has what Allen is looking for at that position.
Most importantly, the $8.33 million per year price tag is far more forgiving compared to the other options. The Bears should be able to afford it after making their necessary cap-saving moves. It won’t be a blockbuster addition as, say, a Maxx Crosby would be. That said, Chenal would plug an important hole as the team retools, getting younger and faster. Even the smaller moves count. It will be interesting to see if that is the direction they go or if they pivot to bigger fish.
