The Chicago Bears will have far more salary cap space in 2023 than any other team. GM Ryan Poles has said he wants to build this team through the draft. That is a good thing. However, that should not discourage him from using the newfound money to improve his team. While he doesn’t have to go on a spending spree, some areas of the roster could desperately use a quick fix with a well-established veteran.
In fact, it isn’t difficult to project where the Bears will place their focus next spring. There are two reasons for this. One is team need, and the other is the strength of the free agent class. Taking everything into consideration, there is a strong likelihood the Bears will be aggressive on the defensive line market when free agency begins next March. Here are some players to keep an eye on as events draw closer. Remember, it is early. Trades and franchise tags have not come into play yet.
Bradley Chubb clips vs. the NYJ pic.twitter.com/7RvJJJ0FA3
— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) October 27, 2022
Everything points to Chicago Bears targeting defensive linemen.
EDGE Bradley Chubb
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Rumors persist that Denver may try to trade the edge rusher before the deadline on November 1st. It hasn’t happened yet. If it doesn’t, all signs point to Chubb becoming a free agent. He is easily the most talented rusher of the class, with 5.5 sacks and eight QB hits in the past eight games. There are rumors Matt Eberflus was a big fan of his during the 2018 draft. So that might offer an idea of how committed the Bears would be to landing him.
EDGE Charles Omenihu
Nick Bosa is the leading man of that San Francisco defensive line, but people shouldn’t overlook Omenihu. The 25-year-old is already one sack away from matching his single-season best with nine games still to go. His big 6’5 frame and long arms make him the exact kind of defensive end Eberflus covets. He may be starting to peak at the right time. There were always signs of great talent. His issues were fundamental. Those have been cleaned up with the 49ers.
Charles Omenihu beats the short set with the swipe/rip. @charless_94 attacks with the jab, then swipes the blocker’s outside hand away. The short rip clears the resetting hand & Omenihu gets pressure on the QB! #passrush #49ers pic.twitter.com/ef8Q8UADuy
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 20, 2022
DT Dre’Mont Jones
Signing Justin Jones was meant to help the Chicago Bears score a strong presence on the interior. While the veteran hasn’t been bad, his limitations are clear. They badly need a difference-maker at defensive tackle. Jones now has 5.5 sacks in eight games for Denver. He is an absolute wrecking ball when he gets going. If the Broncos somehow let him walk, don’t be shocked if the Bears throw all the money at the defensive tackle to lure him to Chicago. He would be an instant upgrade.
DT Da’Ron Payne
Another young defensive tackle that is starting to blossom. Payne was known more as a run-stuffer during his early years in Washington. Now he’s begun building a reputation as a good all-around player with 4.5 sacks in eight games. He can generate an interior rush consistently. Signs point to him leaving the Commanders too. So he’s more likely to be available. The Bears will be inclined to bring him aboard if he finishes strong.
