It isn't a secret that the Chicago Bears plan to be aggressive in free agency. The only uncertainty is where they will focus their dollars. GM Ryan Poles has over $70 million in cap space, which should enable him to take at least two sizable swings for help. Based on everything revealed up to this point, it sounds like the offensive line will be a focus. Unfortunately, Trey Smith was franchised tagged by Kansas City. That means Poles will have to shift his attention to other potential names.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes they have three names circled for their efforts, with the legal tampering period set to begin on March 13th.
"The sense is Chicago will sign at least one interior offensive linemen. Drew Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks and Colts guard Will Fries are among players on the radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are in line for sizable contracts. Guards dominated free agency last year and will do well once again. The Giants, Cardinals and Seahawks are lurking in this market, too."
It's been rumored for the past week that Dalman and Banks were names to watch. Dalman is the best center in this free agent class, while Banks has improved steadily in San Francisco over the past couple of years. Fries is the new name. He was off to a terrific start in Indianapolis last season before an injury ended his year. He's a wild card, but the potential is there.
The Chicago Bears are looking for flexibility.
Poles isn't dumb. He knows all of his solutions won't be found in free agency. That isn't the goal. His hope is to sign one or two reliable blockers to decrease the need to draft offensive line in the 1st round. It doesn't mean the Chicago Bears won't do that, but they want the flexibility to take the best play available. For example, if a defensive lineman on the board is graded significantly higher than one of the offensive linemen when they go on the clock, they want the freedom to take the defensive lineman. Adding two of those three names mentioned would go a long way in making this possible.
As always, there is no predicting free agency. Lots of teams have money to spend, and several of them have offensive line needs, too. It falls on the Bears to come out strong, using their negotiating prowess to the fullest.
