It isn’t a secret that the Chicago Bears plan to be aggressive in free agency. The only uncertainty is where they will focus their dollars. GM Ryan Poles has over $70 million in cap space, which should enable him to take at least two sizable swings for help. Based on everything revealed up to this point, it sounds like the offensive line will be a focus. Unfortunately, Trey Smith was franchised tagged by Kansas City. That means Poles will have to shift his attention to other potential names.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN believes they have three names circled for their efforts, with the legal tampering period set to begin on March 13th.
“The sense is Chicago will sign at least one interior offensive linemen. Drew Dalman, 49ers guard Aaron Banks and Colts guard Will Fries are among players on the radar. Like Dalman, Banks and Fries are in line for sizable contracts. Guards dominated free agency last year and will do well once again. The Giants, Cardinals and Seahawks are lurking in this market, too.”
It’s been rumored for the past week that Dalman and Banks were names to watch. Dalman is the best center in this free agent class, while Banks has improved steadily in San Francisco over the past couple of years. Fries is the new name. He was off to a terrific start in Indianapolis last season before an injury ended his year. He’s a wild card, but the potential is there.
The Chicago Bears are looking for flexibility.
Poles isn’t dumb. He knows all of his solutions won’t be found in free agency. That isn’t the goal. His hope is to sign one or two reliable blockers to decrease the need to draft offensive line in the 1st round. It doesn’t mean the Chicago Bears won’t do that, but they want the flexibility to take the best play available. For example, if a defensive lineman on the board is graded significantly higher than one of the offensive linemen when they go on the clock, they want the freedom to take the defensive lineman. Adding two of those three names mentioned would go a long way in making this possible.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
As always, there is no predicting free agency. Lots of teams have money to spend, and several of them have offensive line needs, too. It falls on the Bears to come out strong, using their negotiating prowess to the fullest.
@Dr. Melhus If Graham did fall to 10, what would you think about drafting him, but then using at least one of your seconds, plus something else to move up and get Booker later, say in the late teens, more where he is projected to go? I’m not a big fan of burning draft capital, but if you can land both the best interior D and O linemen in the draft, and have them both with a 5th year option and day 1 starters, I think that would bring a few Poles fans back.
@Veece Fries got hurt last year with a season ending ankle injury. Prior to that he had no injury issues like the perpetual soft tissue or recurring issues with stingers with Jenkins or his propensity for not finishing games. Fries was more of a fluke thing that he’s recovered from. Prior to that, he was a top 5 guard though, and ascending, going from a 7th round pick I think to progressively earning more and more playing time. I’d be cool with signing him and plugging him in at right guard.
I don’t know what word I would use to describe Ryan Poles given all of his head scratching moves. Will he actually be on point this year and get some needs filled in FA? Will he draft some guys that make sense? I am in wait and see mode.
Prior to combine, Graham was listed at 325. Now he’s 296? A little light these days with 330 OL regardless of how quick he is.
I’m concerned with the FA OL I keep hearing associated with the Bears – Banks, JJackson, Fries… I believe all of them have had injuries or issues in the past (a la TJenkins)! I know many coaches want veterans on the line but why bring in anyone with health issues?
FAs I prefer are the powerful Becton long-term or the #3 PFF Guard Zeitler 1-2 yrs.
@Barry: So, if Mason Graham falls to 1.10, you would rather have the Bears draft Booker? (Yes, I admit it’s unlikely, but possible. Carter is absurdly unlikely to fall to 10, even with the smoke flying about a possible injury, but Graham could fall due to poor combine numbers.) Word is that, while Graham isn’t Aaron Donald or Warren Sapp, he is best compared to a healthy Tommie Harris, and I’d take that at 10 over anyone in this draft except Carter. Then, to placate @Barry, the Bears could take Zabel and Jackson at 2.39 and 2.41, and the best… Read more »