I’ve seen a lot of people talking about the draft, and potential HC candidates. What about free agency? From my understanding the Bears have a good amount of money to invest in the market this year. Who are your top free agents for the Bears to target? Is it possible they add a pass rusher via free agency due to a weaker draft class in that area this season?

  • shadedblade141@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I want another OL particularly C since I don’t think Lucas Patrick is the long term option. Something like Connor Williams from Miami could be a good option if we’re want to pick one up before the draft.

  • HopLegion@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Here’s the big moves that I see us doing as of 11/16 and reasoning why.

    • I think ESB gets another 1 year deal, Jaylon gets franchised/extended. Mooney likely signs somewhere else. This is likely to be a new coaching staff so could see ESB gone too.

    • We sign one big edge. My guess would be Danielle hunter or chase young if young isn’t extended in SF.

    • We sign a solid center. My best guess is Evan Brown. He’s good, not great, elite ras, and can play both C and guard spots. Elite athletes with positional flexibility are traits poles has liked. He fits well and won’t break the bank. This is a spot we pair with a 3rd or early 4th round guy.

    • We sign a solid Free safety after Eddie is cut to save money. Lot of options here, won’t even imagine who it is. But similar to center I see us drafting a guy in the 3rd/4th and signing a solid 2nd/3rd wave guy to play for a year or so while he develops.

    • QB drafted with our first pick, WR with our second first rounder. Fields traded for a 2nd.

    • BPA in the 2nd likely to be OL or DL.

    • a 3 and 2 4s turn into a Center, safety, and a 2nd drafted wr.

    Depth in the 5th and later.

  • EquivalentWins@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Brian Burns, Danielle Hunter, Chase Young. Burns and Young can be franchise tagged I believe but Hunter cannot be tagged. Would cost a ton but the Bears certainly have the dollars.

  • IMKudaimi123@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Besides the QB situation

    Between the draft and free agency

    We’ll need a WR (two if Mooney leaves), a backup TE, a C, another OLineman, a DE, a DT, a backup LB, maybe a safety if Eddie Jackson gets released, a backup safety, possibly a punter Gill has struggled

    I think free agency you grab a C for sure

  • Silver_Harvest@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Going into next year the biggest needs are:

    QB?, C, DE, DT, CB (Because Jaylon hasn’t been extended yet), S.

    As Cody Whitehair and Eddie Jackson are most likely going to be cut. As they are heavy contracts and serviceable rotational pieces at this point now unfortunately.

    QB?: 100% depends on how well Justin plays next 7 games.

    C: With that, Connor Williams is out there not likely as if you have a good C you keep them forever.

    DE: Yannick, Brian Burns, Josh Allen, Chase Young… are available and could be picked up.

    DT: Chris Jones is out there but not much else in terms of DTs that are better than what we have.

    CB: Jaylon gets extended or tagged that goes away as a true need and more of get depth.

    S: Not too many available in FA.

  • Unabridgedversion82@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    It’s tough to say just FA because the draft will fill holes as well. I’m going to assume Jaylon comes back as there are multiple for avenues for this to occur. If he is traded we will get a pick back to draft his replacement anyway. These are the holes as I see it…

    Center, Swing Tackle, WR, Saftey (E Jax is probs gone to save money) DT, EDGE

    QB is obviously the big domino here. I’m not trying to get into a debate, but if we do or don’t take one it alters the complexion of everything else so it’s going on the list.

  • ScotchyLatchi@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’ve switched my tune after listening to Tice’s takes on Drake Maye. #1 I hope fields works out. If not I am all aboard the Drake Maye train

  • dpittnet@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    There were a bunch of names last year on everyone’s wishlist that never made it to FA. That’s what makes it hard to speculate

  • Robertosaur@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    First, we have to address our Free Agents:

    • Jaylon Johnson (CB) - resign
    • Darnell Mooney (WR) - resign
    • Cairo Santos (K) - resign
    • Yannick Ngakoue (DE)- walk
    • D’Onta Foreman (RB) - resign
    • Justin Jones (DT) - walk
    • Robert Tonyan (TE) - walk
    • Marcedes Lewis (TE) - walk
    • Patrick Scales (LS) - resign
    • Equanimeous St. Brown (WR) - resign

    Needs/Realistic:

    Danielle Hunter (Edge) - Vikings

    Connor Williams © - Miami

    Justin Madubuike (DT) - Ravens

    Nice to Haves/probably too expensive:

    Brian Burns (Edge) - Panthers

    Chase Young (Edge) - 49ers

    Tee Higgins (WR) - Bengals

    Mike Evans (WR) - Bucs

    Calvin Ridley (WR) - Jags

    Chris Jones (DT) - Chiefs

    If we don’t draft MHJ then I think you target Marquise Brown from the Cardinals.

    • Paran0idMan33@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      10 months ago

      Not so sure resigning Mooney is the best move but that could definitely be debated. I might bring back Foreman if he was extremely cheap but he’s not someone I think they’ll prioritize. He turns 28 in April and while he’s a solid runner, he’s pretty one-dimensional and is easily replaceable imo.

  • FiDentist702@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Hear me out. Rodgers to the bears in free agency, draft mhj and an o-linemen trade fields for either additional pick or pieces.