The Chicago Bears will be active in free agency. Everybody expects it. They have a new coaching staff in place that likely has certain preferences for the players they want. The focal point will be the offensive line. Nobody doubts GM Ryan Poles will make a strong push to nab former Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith. The two have a history together, as the Bears GM was in Kansas City when they drafted the young blocker out of Tennessee. However, many don't think it will stop there. It is possible they look to double-dip on the offensive line, which would give them flexibility going into the draft.
Most fans believe Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman is the obvious target. While he does have qualities that make him attractive, some feel he wouldn't be the best fit in Johnson's style of offense. That said, there is another name set to hit the market that feels like someone the Bears will circle. Evan Brown is a former undrafted free agent coming off a strong performance at left guard for the Arizona Cardinals, allowing only 20 pressures all season. More important, he and Johnson have a history. From 2020 through 2022, Brown played for the Detroit Lions. His best season came in 2021, where he logged 455 snaps at center, allowing only 8 pressures.
Brown can help the Chicago Bears in multiple ways.
For one, he's familiar with Johnson. That alone makes him interesting. For another, he has versatility. He has shown he can play solid football at both guard and center. Teven Jenkins and Coleman Shelton are both free agents. If the Chicago Bears choose not to bring them back, signing Brown would give them a chess piece they can plug in wherever needed. If they find another guard? Put him at center. If they nab a credible center, keep him at guard. Brown is expected to cost somewhere around $5-6 million per year on his next deal. That is cheap from where the Bears sit. If they somehow nabbed him and Smith next month, they could go into the draft and take the best players on their board, regardless of position, in the 1st round.
