Chicago Bears Predicted to Sign Just One Top 100 Free Agent

The Chicago Bears have around $24-26 million in salary cap space as things stand. Compared to other teams this offseason, that isn't a lot of money. There are still ways for them to create more if necessary though. This means they can be aggressive in a limited fashion when free agency kicks off next week. However, it seems a number of experts aren't buying this will be the case.

Despite having serious needs on offense, especially quarterback and tight end, Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic doesn't envision them spending big at either of those positions. In fact, he doesn't see them spending much at all. Kapadia made a massive list of the top 100 free agents this offseason and predicted where each of them would end up.

In his mind, the Bears will end up signing just one of them, and it's not at the position people might expect.

"54. Vonn Bell (S): Bears

Chicago doesn’t have a lot of money to spend in free agency and is expected to bring in a veteran quarterback at some point. But in the meantime, Bell fills a hole on the Bears’ defense and will be a nice complement to Eddie Jackson."

Chicago Bears need to do better than a strong safety

Look, Vonn Bell would be a nice get for the Bears. He's consistently been one of the better strong safeties in the league for the New Orleans Saints over the past four seasons. He had 89 tackles, two forced fumbles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception in 2019. He'd be able to assume full duties down in the box, playing the run and blitzing. This would allow Jackson to stay where he belongs on the back end, daring teams to throw it in his direction.

Spotrac projects a market value of $4.5 million per year for Bell, which would be quite affordable for the Bears.

This would be a good signing. However, if it's the only signing? That is a problem. Safety is low on the board in terms of priority for this Bears team. Coming away with just Bell and nobody else of significance in this free agent class, one that is stacked with quarterbacks would be a massive disappointment on every level.