Bears are on track to land stud offensive lineman in free agency
The Chicago Bears have been named the perfect landing spot for one of the NFL’s prized free agents.
The Chicago Bears are expected to make numerous big splashes in the NFL’s free agency period, which is set to begin on March 15.
There isn’t a team in the league that can compete with the Bears’ spending power this offseason. Chicago has $98 million in cap space to work with, which puts them as prime contenders to land top talent on the free agent market.
One opposition group Chicago is likely to throw loads of money at is the offensive line. The Bears desperately need to improve protection in order to maximize efficiency and expedite Justin Fields’ development as a passer.
NFL.com recently released an article naming 49ers RT Mike McGlinchey as the perfect fit for the Bears.
“The Bears need weapons for Justin Fields, but how about spending a chunk of their salary-cap space on one of the top offensive tackles on the market? McGlinchey excels as a run blocker, which fits the Bears’ offense well, even if they end up wanting to air it out more in 2023. Chicago has attempted to fill the O-line holes through the draft (2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins, who’s missed 15 games the past two seasons) and less costly veterans (Riley Reiff, headed for free agency after signing a one-year, $3 million deal). Neither avenue has worked out. Shelling out cash to bring in a bona fide right tackle immediately improves the Bears’ trench play.”
McGlinchey, who played his college ball at Notre Dame, makes perfect sense for what Chicago needs. He provides stability at the right tackle position and brings big-game experience coming from San Francisco.
Spotrac projects McGlinchey’s market value to be in between $14-15 million annually, which is a hefty chunk. However with the holes the Bears have across its roster, now is not the time to be pinching pennies.
There has been plenty of chatter about McGlinchey’s fit in Chicago as one of the top available offensive lineman. Look for general manager Ryan Poles to aggressively pursue the five-year veteran as mid-March draws nearer.
Featured image via Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
