ESPN lists Bears as the perfect landing spot for two elite free agents
The Bears are expected to be major players in the free agent market this offseason. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space, many around the league are predicting that Chicago will land multiple top free agents. ESPN recently released an article which identifies the perfect landing spots for the NFL’s top 50 available players. […]
The Bears are expected to be major players in the free agent market this offseason. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space, many around the league are predicting that Chicago will land multiple top free agents.
ESPN recently released an article which identifies the perfect landing spots for the NFL’s top 50 available players. Author Matt Bowen named the Bears as the ideal destination for two players on that list.
The Bears are in the market for a game-changer on its offensive line. The team must find stability up front to protect QB Justin Fields and establish an effective run game. So it makes sense as to why Chicago would be the perfect fit for OT Mike McGlinchey.
McGlinchey Makes Sense
McGlinchey checks in at No. 7 on ESPN’s list after playing his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Bowen explains why he makes so much sense for Chicago in the excerpt below:
“McGlinchey didn't produce his best tape in pass protection last season, but he has the blocking traits at a premier position to upgrade a Bears offensive front that must do a better job of protecting quarterback Justin Fields. He wins with angles and the ability to get off the ball, and while McGlinchey's pass block win rate slipped to 89.6% this season, his run block win rate of 81.2% ranked fifth overall in the NFL. It could be a big, multiyear deal for McGlinchey, and Bears general manager Ryan Poles would be adding a starting right tackle to address the subpar play of the Chicago offensive line (58 sacks allowed).”
According to Spotrac, McGlinchey’s market value is estimated to hover around the $14-million mark annually, but the addition would be worth every penny.
Jonesing For A Pass Rush
On the other side of the ball, ESPN believes the Bears make the most sense for DT Dre’Mont Jones. He ranks 16th on ESPN’s list due to his versatility along the defensive line.
“With edge/interior flexibility, Jones is a high-end mover who shows a quick first step off the ball and the short-area juice to penetrate versus the run game or create pass rush production. In '22, he registered 6.5 sacks and 28 pressures, and his pass rush win rate when lined up inside (15.9%) ranked sixth among all defenders. He is an ascending player who would immediately upgrade a talent-deficient Bears pass rush, and I expect Jones to cash in with a long-term deal. The Bears allowed almost 5 yards per rush last season, and their sack total of 20 was last in the NFL.”
Jones will cost whichever team that decides to sign him a pretty penny. Spotrac projects his market value to be just north of $17 million per year. That being said, Chicago desperately needs to put together a formidable pass rush in 2023.
Chicago ranked last in sacks during 2022, totaling just 20 on the year. Jones tallied 22 sacks in four seasons with the Broncos. In just 13 games last season, Jones recorded a career-high 47 tackles and tied his career bests with 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss.
In order for the Bears to return to relevancy, general manager Ryan Poles must prioritize improvement in the trenches. Signing McGlinchey and Jones would do exactly that.
Featured image via Jamie Sabau – USA TODAY Sports
