General manager Ryan Poles has been busy the last few days. Khalil Mak was exchanged. Tariq Cohen and Eddie Goldman were both cut. Not only did he get another 2nd round pick in the upcoming 2022 draft, but he also received $14 million as a new cap spot. The Chicago Bears rose from $23 million to $37 million. This should make it clear that the Poles are planning to become free agents in a few days.
The question is how aggressive he is going to be. The Poles said that he would be “selective” in the veteran market from the very beginning. This makes one think that he will not be handing out any major contracts. However, if he wants to complete this list, he will have to spend some money. He may be able to sign some players on short-term contracts that will help the Bears be competitive now, but still have flexibility going into the future.
The track record often plays a big role in such moves.
Sheil Kapadia of The Athletic has several NFL connections. He compiled an extended list of free agent predictions for every team with them. In that case, the three players they are most likely to sign and why. His choice in favor of the Bears is sure to leave some bewildered, for both good and dubious reasons.
“Chicago Bears”
WR DJ Chark
OT Duane Brown
OG Trey Turner
They need to prioritize by giving Justin Fields a chance. This means focusing on pass defense and pass catching opportunities. Chark only played four games last year with an ankle injury, but he has a rare combination of size and speed, he is 26 years old and has been productive in 2019 and 2020. fill a left tackle for the season.”
All indications are that the Poles are using his resources to build around Justin Fields this year. It’s good. If the Bears are going to have long-term success, it will be with their young quarterback. To do this, he needs weapons and protection. Whether these options are worth it is a more difficult question. Chark was one of the league’s most underrated wide receivers in 2019 and 2020, with over 1,700 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, last year he broke his ankle. So his health will be a concern.
Dwayne Brown is 36 years old. Watch how fast he flips his hips to seal that DB trying to jump inside. pic.twitter.com/j230kjZkMH
— Josh Cohen (@JCohen_NFL) November 3, 2021
Handling games and stunts through 2022 FA RG Trai Turner pic.twitter.com/yHwH898m79
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 14, 2022
Chicago Bears offensive line selection is even more interesting
If it had been five years ago, Brown and Turner would have been a huge asset. Brown has won five Pro Bowls in his career, including last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The problem is, he’ll be 37 in August and slugged eight sacks last season. It’s hard to tell how much he has left in the tank. Then Trey Turner. Like Brown, he is a former five-time Pro Bowl player. Possibly one of the top three or four best defensemen in the league.
That changed in 2020 when he was overtaken by an extensive injury history. He missed seven games and allowed 19 pressures. It was one of the worst performances of his career. Then last season with the Steelers, he allowed eight sacks. It’s hard not to feel like his best days are behind him. Therefore, signing them by Ryan Powles would not make much sense. He’s not like GM, who prides himself on past accomplishments.
Both can play well, but it will depend on the money they are looking for.
Not to mention the duration of transactions. It may come down to how much the Poles trust new offensive line coach Chris Morgan to keep the two playing at the highest level possible. His familiarity with Turner is a bonus. At the moment, Brown is another Jason Peters. As for Chark? He is young enough to still regain his peak form. His speed would have been a welcome advantage for the receiving corps had he been healthy.
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