New Da'Ron Payne Update Is Not Great For The Bears

The Chicago Bears need a productive free agency if they're going to kickstart a proper turnaround in 2023. No, they don't have to go crazy with their spending. However, landing two or three quality starters with the abundance of cap space they have isn't too much to ask. When researching the market and listening to rumors, it sounds like GM Ryan Poles will focus on the trenches. Offensive tackle and defensive tackle are two big areas of need. That is why many hope Da'Ron Payne will be a primary target.

The 1st round pick from 2018 had a breakout season for the Washington Commanders, posting 11.5 sacks. His interior pass rush is something the Bears have desperately missed since Akiem Hicks started suffering his injury setbacks. Payne would be a perfect fit for their attacking 4-3 scheme that heavily depends on the front four. Sadly, recent news courtesy of Mike Florio from NBC Sports suggests the Bears will never get the chance. It sounds like Washington plans to apply the franchise tag.

"The window for applying the franchise tag opened today. Before it closes in two weeks, it’s virtually certain that one of the tags will be applied by the Commanders to defensive tackle Daron Payne.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, it’s 99.9 likely that the Commanders will tag the 2018 first-round draft pick from Alabama."

Da'Ron Payne exiting the market makes the Bears' focus clear.

That means Denver Broncos defensive tackle Dre'Mont Jones is almost certain to be their primary target at the position. He fits the profile of a strong interior pass rusher (at least 5 sacks in the past three seasons) and is in his mid-20s. Nobody knows if the Broncos will be able to retain him. Considering what he'd make on the open market, it feels unlikely they can meet the price he is looking for. Chicago can easily pay him more than anybody else. Not as much as Payne, mind you, but a lucrative deal.

This is how free agency goes. Franchise tags always shift the market more than anything. Once the dust settles on March 7th, the Bears will have a clear picture of who they can pursue a week later. Da'Ron Payne would've made a great addition. He could anchor the interior, allowing Poles to seek how edge rush help early in the draft. Alas, plans change. It will be interesting to see what the Bears try to do. They have the resources to still make a splash. Poles will have to do some strong recruiting.