The Chicago Bears have lots of work to do if they're going to get this roster into fighting shape before the 2023 season. Free agency will be one of the most critical parts of that effort. They have money to throw around and lots of holes to fill. The obvious challenge is figuring out which players they may or may not have a shot at. One way to filter such names out is by seeing if any have direct ties to your team. These are often found via the coaching staff or the front office.
Since the Bears' new regime is still relatively new, they will have significant connections to several prominent free agents next month. Some of them could play a prominent role in helping this team improve if acquired. Here are a few worth nothing.
The Chicago Bears have ties to some noteworthy free agents.
Mike McGlinchey (OT, San Francisco 49ers)
Connection: ST coordinator Richard Hightower
Right tackle was a miserable issue for the Bears throughout most of 2022. Larry Borom and Riley Reiff took turns struggling there. A fresh start might do the team good. McGlinchey is a master of the wide-zone offense and one of the best run-blockers in the NFL. His pass protection is average, but he gets by well enough. If Chicago stays committed to the run, he is definitely somebody Hightower can pitch.
Bobby Okereke (LB, Indianapolis Colts)
Connection: Head coach Matt Eberflus
Linebacker won't be a priority for the Bears in free agency. That doesn't mean they won't look to address it. Okereke was a solid player in Indianapolis when Eberflus was the defensive coordinator. He's long, athletic, and does everything well. Nobody would consider him a star, but he is a dependable starter. They can work with that as they continue retooling the front seven.
Mecole Hardman (WR, Kansas City Chiefs)
Connection: GM Ryan Poles
More weapons aren't a bad thing. In fact, it is a necessary thing. Chicago lacks firepower in the passing game. Hardman comes from one of the most prolific passing attacks in the NFL. Granted, he isn't bringing Patrick Mahomes with him, but he still has plenty to offer. He has the kind of pure speed that is rare, adding another vertical threat for Fields to exploit. His presence would help create lighter boxes in the running game too.
Garrett Bradbury (C, Minnesota Vikings)
Connection: QB coach Andrew Janocko
Lucas Patrick and Sam Mustipher couldn't solve the issues at center. It wouldn't be shocking if the Bears sought an alternative. Bradbury has been a steady presence in Minnesota. He has lots of experience in a wide-zone blocking scheme similar to what Chicago runs. His run blocking is his biggest strength. The big concern is whether he can be trusted in pass protection, which is sometimes questionable.
Javon Hargrave (DT, Philadelphia Eagles)
Connection: AGM Ian Cunningham
The interior pass rush was a big issue for the Chicago Bears defense. It is vital to their success. So nobody will be shocked if they target help in that area. Presuming they miss out on top names like Da'Ron Payne or Dre'Mont Jones, Hargrave is an obvious fallback option. While 30 years old, he has been dominant over the past two years in Philadelphia with 18.5 sacks. Signing him to a three-year deal would be a solid investment.
Foster Moreau (TE, Las Vegas Raiders)
Connection: Assistant OL Austin King
Having one solid tight end is great. Having two would be better. Moreau is criminally overlooked because he's lived in the shadow of Darren Waller during all four of his years with the Raiders. That hasn't stopped him from finding ways to contribute. He had a career-high 420 yards this past season despite switching offensive schemes. Moreau is also one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. He didn't allow a single pressure in 63 pass-blocking snaps.
