Belief Growing Ryan Poles Is Planning A Swerve In Free Agency

Trading for Jonah Jackson was a critical first step for the Chicago Bears. They've shored up one of their interior offensive line positions. Now GM Ryan Poles turns to free agency. He still has plenty of money to spend, and most believe he plans to do that. As of now, the expectations haven't changed. The offensive line will remain the focus as they need another starter before they can feel comfortable focusing on the draft. However, it would be wise not to underestimate Poles. He may have a different plan in mind.

A source informed SM that an undercurrent of buzz emerged at the scouting combine that Chicago may come out aggressive on the pass rusher market. The name mentioned more than any other was Josh Sweat. He comes off one of his best seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles (8 sacks and 15 QB hits), capped by a Super Bowl performance for the ages with 2.5 sacks and 3 QB hits of Patrick Mahomes. Philadelphia isn't expected to keep him due to salary cap issues. At 27 years old, he is in his prime.

Ryan Poles pursuing Sweat makes plenty of sense.

The Bears need a #2 pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat. They just released DeMarcus Walker, leaving their defensive end position in a somewhat questionable state. Sweat is a proven commodity that is projected to command somewhere in the neighborhood of $18-19 million per year. Chicago should have no problem affording that, presuming it's a three or four-year deal. A trio of him, Montez, and Gervon Dexter would give the Bears defense some serious teeth up front.

It would also give Ryan Poles more flexibility to do whatever he wants in the draft. He'd be able to add more offensive line help, along with running back, defensive tackle, tight end, and safety. There is no shortage of directions he can go. The Bears could even lean further into their defensive line overhaul by adding another pass rusher. Philadelphia proved there is no such thing as too many. Sweat will have a strong market, so landing him won't be easy. It will be interesting to see what Poles does.