NFL free agency is just around the corner, where the Chicago Bears will look to address some important roster needs.
General manager Ryan Poles has some big decisions to make this offseason, starting in free agency, where he has $67 million in salary cap space (third most in the league) to address positions of need, including edge rusher, center, safety, wide receiver and tight end.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen recently examined the best fits for the league’s top free agents, and there were a couple of notable names he linked to the Bears.
The most obvious is cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who’s coming off a career season with Chicago where he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. Poles has made it clear Johnson, 24, isn’t going anywhere — whether that’s agreeing to a long-term extension or using the franchise tag as insurance.
I like Johnson staying in Chicago as the Bears’ No. 1 corner, with the coverage traits, backfield vision and ball skills to produce once again. He posted a career-high four interceptions last season for a Bears defense that finished with 22 picks, tied for most in the NFL. I see Johnson signing a multiyear contract as a pivotal player in coach Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
While Kyler Gordon and rookie Tyrique Stevenson had solid seasons, if the Bears were to lose Johnson it would leave a massive hole in the secondary. Johnson isn’t just Chicago’s best cornerback, he’s one of the best in the entire league.
Outside of Chicago, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard was dubbed a good fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. Greenard, 26, is coming off a big year with the Houston Texans, where he totaled 12.5 sacks and thrived as a pass rusher and run stopper.
General manager Ryan Poles made the trade last season to acquire defensive end Montez Sweat, which changed the Bears’ defensive setup. Now Poles could add another edge defender in Greenard, who is explosive off the ball and makes plays late in the down with his fantastic effort level. Last season with the Texans, Greenard had 12.5 sacks and a 22% pass rush win rate (sixth in the league). And his instincts show up as a run defender, too.
While Montez Sweat has been dominant, the Bears need to find a complement for him. Adding Greenard would give Chicago a great 1-2 punch off the edge that would further elevate Eberflus’ defense as they look to become a top-10 unit.
The Bears are also expected to explore adding a veteran center and tight end depth behind Cole Kmet during free agency.
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