Bears Positioned To Upgrade Lines As Free Agent Talks Officially Begin

With one major item already crossed off their to-do list, the Bears figure to be busy this week in free agency. Deals cannot become official until the new NFL year officially begins on Wednesday but teams can legally contact free agents for the first time at noon ET Monday.

The first wave of agreements figure to be reported later Monday, most likely including at least one and possibly more by the Bears. They enter the signing period with the most room to be aggressive in the NFL — a reported $75.6 million according to Spotrac.

The Bears acquired All-Pro receiver D.J. Moore from Carolina in last Friday’s trade of the first overall pick. His cap obligation of about $20.2 million for 2023 becomes the biggest on the books at this point but that distinction could be short lived as General Manager Ryan Poles addresses major needs in both the offensive and defensive lines.

The Bears are continuing an overhaul on defense that began when Poles traded away Khalil Mack, Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn. They addressed the secondary in the 2022 draft, somewhat surprisingly adding cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker with their first two picks, and appear most likely to invest in defensive linemen.

On offense, the Bears are seeking to add some linemen who will join Moore in making life easier for quarterback Justin Fields, who was sacked an NFL-high 55 times last year. Poles’ first draft yielded tackle Braxton Jones, who started alongside second-year guard Seven Jenkins and veteran guard Cody Whitehair. The Bears figure to make additions at tackle and possibly center.

Here’s a look at some of the most likely targets for Poles:

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, Eagles — He may yet be signed to an extension by Philadelphia but joined Kansas City’s Chris Jones in leading the NFL in sacks, with 11.

Right tackle Mike McGlinchy, 49ers — He has been rumored as being of interest to the Bears for months. He played left tackle at Notre Dame and could switch sides with Jones if he signs in Chicago. While Kansas City’s Orlando Brown is expected to receive the highest contract among linemen, McGlinchy appears a more likely target for a team with multiple needs.

Defensive tackle Dre-Mont Jones, Broncos — He is a good fit for the Bears’ 3-technique tackle position. He tied a career-high with 6 1/2 sacks while playing only 13 games last year. He has 22 sacks through four seasons and figures to be in his prime at age 26.

Edge Frank Clark, Chiefs — He is one of the best in a weak free agent class at the position. He has elite skills but has been a somewhat inconsistent performer for Kansas City, which could give teams concern.

Center Ethan Pocic, Browns — He will be the best player available at a position of need for the Bears if he doesn’t re-sign with Cleveland. He elevated his play in 2022 and enters free agency at age 28.

Linebacker Bobby Okereke, Colts — He is well known to Bears coach Matt Eberflus, who coached him in Indianapolis. He had 151 tackles last season, with a balanced skill set, and hits free agency at age 27.

Cornerback James Bradberry, Eagles — In Jaylon Johnson, Kindle Vildor and Gordon, the Bears have a passable collection of young cornerbacks. But they don’t have any truly elite defensive backs, so they have done their homework on the likes of Bradberry and Philadelphia teammate C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has the versatility to also play safety. Tampa Bay’s Jamel Dean, Pittsburgh’s Cameron Sutton and Cincinnati’s Vonn Bell also figure to be in the mix for the Bears.