Ryan Poles Reportedly Expected To Blow Up Bears Interior O-Line

The Chicago Bears have allowed 29 sacks this season. That is tied for fifth-most in the NFL. Such a stat has to drive GM Ryan Poles crazy as a former offensive lineman. Nobody understands the importance of protecting the quarterback more than him. He thought the Bears had a good plan going into this season. Four of the five starters from last year brought continuity, and they'd focused on improving the overall depth. They even kept offensive line coach Chris Morgan after the staff shakeup.

Alas, things went horribly wrong. Injuries slammed the unit right out of the gate. Ryan Bates went on IR with a shoulder issue. Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones are out with knee problems. On top of that, Nate Davis was demoted because he clearly lacked focus or drive. Bill Murray, their preseason standout, was lost for the year with a torn pec. Their protection scheme has also looked incredibly lost when faced with blitzes and stunts. This might explain why, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, plans a massive overhaul of the line next off-season.

Expectations are he will focus on all three interior spots.

Left guard Teven Jenkins will be an unrestricted free agent, and while it’s unlikely the team has reached a determination on his future, ongoing availability issues would be a reason to move on...

...Does Poles want to focus on something we’ve heard numerous times this season — having a firm pocket for Williams? If so, that could mean finding two new guards and a center. It’s what the Chiefs accomplished in 2021. It’s a model other teams have adopted as guard pay has exploded with nine now earning $17 million or more annually.

“Not that long ago it was, ‘You can’t pay a guard or you’re dumb if you pay a guard,’ ” the AFC personnel man said. “The game has evolved and some of it is probably in response to double-A-gap pressures and the different stuff you see so often. The firm pocket has become a thing."

Ryan Poles has the resources to make it happen.

This situation will be where he doesn't have to be a bargain hunter. If he wants to take massive swings, he is fully capable of doing so. The Bears are projected to have $74 million in salary cap space. Another $9.5 million will be added once they release Davis at some point. Even with potential extensions for certain players on the roster, Chicago will have boatloads of cap space to go hard after a top name in free agency. Chiefs guard Trey Smith, Seahawks center Connor Williams, and Falcons center Drew Dalman figure to get most of the attention.

From there, Ryan Poles will have three picks in the first two rounds to infuse the offensive line with talent. Draft experts project four names as top 64 prospects at the moment. That number should grow as the college season continues and the pre-draft preparations commence in January. One also can't forget the possibility of a trade. New Orleans and Cleveland will be way over the cap next off-season. Perhaps they may decide to part with a top name. Poles should have options.