ESPN Insider Pinpoints Free Agent Chicago Bears Likely Pursue

Everybody is already focused on the 2023 NFL draft. That isn't a surprise. The Chicago Bears are one more loss away from being guaranteed a top five pick. Two losses lock them into the #2 spot. It would be the biggest opportunity to land a potential superstar in years for this team. However, there will be tons of work for GM Ryan Poles to do before that. It starts a month prior when free agency begins. No team has more salary cap space than the Bears. He can go on an unprecedented shopping spree if he wishes.

The obvious question is which player(s) he may have in mind once the market opens. Only Poles can answer that question. This didn't stop Jeremy Fowler from offering his take. He is one of the most well-connected insiders working for ESPN these days. So it was interesting to see his comments in a recent column about what to expect this off-season. He believes the Bears will focus on upgrading their defensive line with one big name at the top of their wishlist.

"Chicago GM Ryan Poles should have around $120 million in cap space for 2023, and his defense needs interior strength. Washington defensive tackle Daron Payne would be an ideal fit if the Commanders don't re-sign him. He's 25 years old and coming off a 9.5-sack season."

Payne to the Chicago Bears would be a no-brainer.

There is no question Payne has morphed into one of the most devastating interior pass rushers in the NFL. His mixture of power and quickness has made life hell for opposing guards and centers. Putting him in the middle of the Bears defensive line would be an immediate upgrade over both Justin Jones and Armon Watts. His addition would also give Poles much more flexibility going into the draft. Rather than prioritize a defensive tackle early, he could focus on finding an edge rusher, offensive lineman, or even a wide receiver. Or he could double down and pair Payne with somebody like Jalen Carter.

Much of this depends on what the Washington Commanders do. They've expressed a desire to keep Payne. The problem is their cap space situation isn't ideal. They're already paying a ton of money to Jonathan Allen, and expectations are defensive end Chase Young will command a massive contract down the line too. Pouring that much money into one position group isn't always smart business. Washington might be better off letting Payne walk and reloading via the draft.

Payne will likely seek something in the $18-20 million per year range. The Chicago Bears can easily afford that. It comes down to whether he reaches the market. If he does, the Bears are the easy favorite to land him.