What are the Bears’ biggest needs following free agency?
The Bears didn’t make a splashy signing or trade when NFL free agency started last week. But they still addressed roster needs.
General manager Ryan Poles reworked parts of his roster that reached the NFC divisional round last season. After the departures of wide receiver DJ Moore, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and center Drew Dalman, Poles filled holes by acquiring safety Coby Bryant, linebacker Devin Bush and center Garrett Bradbury, among others.
Although free agency isn’t over, the biggest names are off the board. Any moves the Bears make now will likely be minor additions.
But Poles didn’t address some of the team’s major needs. Although the Bears had some salary cap space and draft capital to offer, Poles decided to take a more reserved approach. Poles repeated his belief that the Bears have to be responsible and plan for the long-term as well as the short-term.
He’ll get a chance to address those needs in next month’s draft. The Bears have four draft selections in the first 89 picks.
Here are the Bears’ top areas of need following free agency.
Safety
The Bears’ safety room faced the most uncertainty heading into the offseason with four contributors set to be free agents. Despite addressing the position in free agency, there are still major questions.
Poles signed one of the best safeties available on the market when he signed Bryant. He also brought back Elijah Hicks, who’s been a dependable backup and special teamer. But the Bears are still in search of a starter opposite Bryant after last year’s starters, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, signed with other teams.
Chicago will have options drafting at No. 25 and holding two second-round picks. Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, LSU’s A.J. Haulcy and Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley could be interesting options.
Defensive tackle
Chicago return both starters at defensive tackle from last season. Poles also signed Neville Gallimore and James Lynch as rotational pieces. But the Bears will want a boost and look toward the future.
The Bears didn’t get consistent production from the middle of the defensive line for most of last season. They ranked near the bottom of the NFL in terms of run defense and struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Gervon Dexter also enters the final year of his rookie deal and doesn’t seem to be a candidate to earn an extension this offseason. Grady Jarrett will be 33 next season.
This draft’s tackle class isn’t deep, but there are some interesting prospects to look at near the top No. 25. Clemson’s Peter Woods, Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, Georgia’s Christen Miller and Florida’s Caleb Banks are all top candidates.
Defensive end
After not signing Trey Hendrickson or trade for Maxx Crosby, the Bears likely have to settle for a solution in the draft.
Montez Sweat had a good season with 10 sacks. But he hasn’t developed into one of the best pass rushers in the league like the Bears hoped when they traded a second-round pick and extended him in 2023.
They haven’t gotten much production opposite him either. Dayo Odeyingbo didn’t produce much after being a top free agent acquisition last season. He also missed half the season because of injury. Austin Booker has flashed at times but not enough to be a difference-maker.
Luckily for the Bears, there’s a deep group of pass rushers available in the draft. Miami’s Akheem Mesidor, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell and Missouri’s Zion Young are all intriguing choices.
Left tackle
For a second straight draft, the Bears enter with left tackle as a need. They thought they might’ve found a solution once Ozzy Trapilo took hold of the spot late last season and in the playoffs. But Trapilo isn’t expected back until later next season after injuring his patellar tendon in the playoffs.
Poles seemed to set up the competition for Trapilo’s fill-in, or potentially his replacement, by bringing back Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones, who both started games at the spot last year. He also signed former starter Jedrick Wills Jr. to a one-year deal.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bears draft a left tackle with a higher pick. Although they liked how Trapilo played, he still had to develop this offseason had he gotten injured. Utah’s Caleb Lomu, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor and Penn State’s Drew Shelton could be ones to watch.
Cornerback
The need at cornerback isn’t as strong as the other positions mentioned. But there are questions needing to be answered, not only for this season but for the future.
Jaylon Johnson will come back from a season where he underwent groin surgery. He struggled to get to full-strength in the eight games he played since the surgery. There are questions whether he’ll look like the same All-Pro cornerback he was before.
Meanwhile, Tyrique Stevenson enters the final season of his rookie contract after taking a more reserved role later in the season last year. Stevenson appeared in 13 games but didn’t start a game after Week 15, giving way to Johnson and former Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright.
Tennessee’s Colton Hood, Clemson’s Avieon Terrell and South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse could all be options at No. 25 if the Bears feel the talent is worth it.