National media outlet predicts Bears will sign one of the top available defensive free agents
CBS Sports think the Chicago Bears should sign one of the top available defensive free agents this offseason
CBS Sports thinks the Chicago Bears need to sign one of the top available defensive free agents this offseason.
With Daron Payne receiving the franchise tag from the Washington Commanders this week, it leaves defensive tackle Javon Hargrave as one of the top free agent options at defensive tackle, a position of need for the Bears.
And CBS Sports thinks Chicago needs to sign Hargrave.
Supporting QB Justin Fields with better protection and receivers is paramount, but Hargave is the best value at another area of need. Matt Eberflus' defense sorely lacks punch up front, and Hargrave is still in the thick of his prime at 30, fresh off a career-high 11 sacks as the most consistent interior starter on the Eagles' conference-winning unit.
Hargrave spent the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles after spending the first four years of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers (they drafted him in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft).
There's no doubt that Chicago needs to add a defensive tackle to the roster this offseason. And Hargrave is certainly the best option.
It's not a foregone conlcusion, however, that Hargrave will leave Philly.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni made it clear this week that he hopes Philadelphia re-signs Hargrave.
"Howie [Roseman, Eagles general manager] has to do what he feels is best for the team," said Sirianni this week. "I have my input just like we talked about, and we'll see what happens. But I love Javon Hargrave."
The Bears have the ability to be a little more aggresive with a free agent offer, so that's one thing working in their favor (Philly has to work out an extenstion with Jalen Hurts, which will hurt their ability to re-sign players like Hargrave). Unless Hargrave gives the Eagles a big discount, Chicago should have a good shot to land the dominant defensive tackle.
