The Packers And Vikings Just Helped Ryan Poles Look Brilliant

Ryan Poles sensed a problem as free agency approached. He needed help for the Chicago Bears' interior offensive line. However, as information flowed in about the market, one thing became apparent: It was going to get expensive fast. Rather than bite the bullet and prepare his coffers, Poles became proactive. He traded 4th and 6th round picks to the Chiefs and Rams for veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson. They count a combined $27.8 million against the salary cap this year.

Validation arrived quickly, fittingly from two of the Bears' bitterest rivals. The Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings made big moves on the guard market, signing veterans Aaron Banks and Will Fries, respectively. Based on projections, both had to overpay to do it.

• Banks projected: $16.25 million per year
• Banks received: $19.25 million per year
• Fries projected: $14.31 million per year
• Fries received: $17.6 million per year

Minnesota and Green Bay paid a combined $36.85 million per year to close those deals. Keep in mind it was for two players most agree are slightly above average at best. Meanwhile, Poles secured two former Pro Bowlers for significantly less money, which was swiftly used to pursue Drew Dalman in free agency.

Ryan Poles played the market about as well as anyone.

While giving up draft picks is never easy, the truth is two Day 3 picks for two blockers who have been considered among the best at their position in recent years are worth the investment. Banks and Fries have never been in that conversation at any point in their careers. Making them the 7th and 11th highest-paid guards in the NFL feels like dangerous business, even for established organizations like Green Bay and Minnesota. Ryan Poles deserves the criticisms he's received for past mistakes in free agency. This feels like one of those cases where the Bears GM perfectly executed a plan to avoid doing so again. He has set the offensive line up for instant success without having to get crazy with money to do it.