More Proof Chicago Bears Plan To Change Direction In Free Agency

GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson accomplished the first critical goal of this off-season by shoring up the interior offensive line. It started with the trade for Jonah Jackson from Los Angeles and culminated with another trade for Joe Thuney from Kansas City. Just like that, the guard positions are secure on the offensive line, leaving only center and left tackle as the remaining spots with questions. Now people wonder what comes next as free agency looms for the Chicago Bears next week.

Many believe they will stay on the attack with the offensive line. Center Drew Dalman has been connected to the organization multiple times over the past month. He would plug the last interior spot, allowing Poles to do whatever he wants with the 10th pick in the draft. However, some around the league believe the Bears plan to pivot elsewhere on the roster. While the offensive line reconstruction might not be complete, the other side of the ball needs attention, too. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune had more.

The Bears have the cap space and flexibility to pursue both Dalman and a marquee player for the defensive line, maybe tackle Milton Williams or end Josh Sweat of the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts end Dayo Odeyingbo or perhaps a veteran such as former Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack.

One player personnel director for another team predicted the two trades for offensive linemen might signal that the Bears are pivoting to the defensive line as the free-agent negotiating window opens Monday. In an ideal world, they would get a player who is on the right side of 30 and is entering his second contract and the prime years of his career.

The Chicago Bears are pacing themselves well.

SM reported earlier this week that the team had a serious interest in Josh Sweat. He's 27 and has averaged at least eight sacks in each of the past four seasons. His 2.5 sacks in the Super Bowl against Kansas City were a core part of the Philadelphia Eagles' eventual victory. Assistant GM Ian Cunningham knows him well, having helped the Eagles draft him in 2018. Putting him and Montez Sweat together with Gervon Dexter in the middle would give the Bears' defense some serious teeth. That could be enhanced further by using one of their three picks in the first two rounds on even more defensive line help.

The bottom line is this move would basically blow the door wide open for the 10th pick in the draft. Poles would be free to go in any direction without feeling too much pressure to fill a need. The Chicago Bears could still go for offensive line help, add another pass rusher, or even opt for an instant playmaker like running back Ashton Jeanty. They would be free to play the board as it falls. Nobody can argue with the approach they're taking. It's logical and just aggressive enough without being crazy.