NFL People Believe Chicago Bears Will Pursue Notable Free Agent

Free agency is mere days away. The Chicago Bears still have plenty of salary cap space even after extending Jaylon Johnson. It is why many expect GM Ryan Poles to be active on that front. What nobody knows for sure is who the Bears may go after. A few names have floated around, including running backs Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs. Not to mention defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. However, it appears they might have their eyes on the safety market. Word emerged that they'd already met with former All-Pro Kevin Byard. Others could soon follow.

While the media has things they're hearing, people inside the NFL have heard differently. At least, that is what former scouting director Greg Gabriel said. He explained on Windy City Gridiron that he's reached out to lots of friends and colleagues around the league to get a gauge on what's happening. There is one name out there the Bears are expected to explore once the off-season becomes active on March 13th. It is somebody head coach Matt Eberflus knows well.

"That said, non-media people do tie a player to Chicago. That player is the Colts' Julian Blackmon. Blackmon played for Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus in Indianapolis in 2020 and 2021. Blackmon suffered an Achilles tear in week 6 of the ’21 season but has returned strong. His 2023 was his best as he recorded 88 total tackles, eight passed defensed and four interceptions. Three things that stand out about Blackmon on tape are his instincts, tackling ability, and ball skills. All traits that are very important to play free safety in the Bears scheme. We’ll know soon enough if he becomes a Bear."

This move is an easy sell for the Chicago Bears.

Blackmon spent two years in Eberflus' defense. He was an instant success as a rookie in 2020 with two interceptions, six passes defended, and a forced fumble. Sadly, that injury the next year robbed people of a chance to see how much he could grow. There is little doubt Eberflus would love to continue exploring that relationship with the 26-year-old safety. Better still, the price tag to get him isn't expected to exceed $5 million per year. That is the sort of bargain Poles loves to land.

Not only would Blackmon be a solid addition to an already stacked secondary, but he also falls in line with their preferred stance of signing younger free agents. Eberflus already has a firm idea of how best to utilize his talents. The adjustment period would be negligible. As always, it comes down to if other teams challenge the Chicago Bears for his services. Given how loaded the safety market is this year, it doesn't feel like the challenge will be overwhelming. Keep an eye on this one.