Insider Expects Chicago Bears To Target Three Positions In Free Agency

Free agency might not be the main event for GM Ryan Poles, but it will still serve as part of the process for helping the Chicago Bears improve. Expectations are that the team should have enough cap space to be aggressive for at least one prominent name if they wish. Or they could spread it around for mid-tier options at various positions. More than anything, it's expected Poles will use a large chunk of that space to lock up cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a contract extension.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was asked where the Bears might take a big swing on the free agent market this year. He reiterated his belief Poles will be quieter this year, hoping to shift focus towards the draft. However, that doesn't mean the team will do nothing. Based on his read of the situation, there are three position groups that could get some attention once the market opens in mid-March. Two of them are on the offensive side, and the other on defense.

"That being said, three positions I would keep an eye on are center, defensive end and tight end.

It’s not a great draft class for edge rushers, and the Bears might explore some options on the open market. There are some talented centers in the draft, but the Bears currently don’t own a second-round pick, which might be the sweet spot to get a good one. Maybe Poles could get a second-rounder back if he trades quarterback Justin Fields. Some I’ve spoken to believe the return for Fields might be a third-rounder. Who knows right now?

The Bears have no depth behind Cole Kmet at tight end right now, so they’ll look at options there."

This seems like a fair assessment of the Chicago Bears.

It also feels like a signal from Biggs that the team might be planning to address the wide receiver position early. Most experts believe this is a great year to need one with three names projected to go in the top 10. With quarterback almost certain to be the other pick, it means those three positions mentioned by Biggs may not get addressed until the 3rd round unless the Bears somehow secure a 2nd rounder via trade. So addressing them in free agency would make sense.

The next question becomes whether the Chicago Bears can find any bargains at those positions. Players that may not cost a huge new contract but still produce at a high enough level to make a difference. Here are a few worth keeping an eye on.

Center:

• Connor Williams
• Aaron Brewer

Defensive end:

• Carl Lawson
• Dorance Armstrong
• A.J. Epenesa

Tight end:

• Noah Fant
• Gerald Everett

Williams, Epenesa, and Everett feel like the best fits for the Bears when thinking about the personal preferences for Poles and the coaching staff. However, it's hard to predict how the market unfolds each year. Smart money says they should land at least one of those names before the draft arrives in April.