The Chicago Bears were dealt a tough blow on Friday, but GM Ryan Poles doesn't deserve the blame
The Chicago Bears were dealt a tough blow on Friday that could be described as embarrassing. Earlier this week, it was reported that Chicago was planning to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. That was a solid decision that showed the Bears' commitment to controlling the line of scrimmage. But unfortunately for Chicago, the signing isn't happening […]
The Chicago Bears were dealt a tough blow on Friday that could be described as embarrassing.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Chicago was planning to sign defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi.
That was a solid decision that showed the Bears' commitment to controlling the line of scrimmage.
But unfortunately for Chicago, the signing isn't happening because Ogunjobi failed his physical.
"As I said before, Larry Ogunjobi embodies everything we are looking for in a Bear," said Chicago general manager Ryan Poles in a statement on Friday. "He is a special person and player. During the league's negotiating window earlier this week, we agreed to terms with him, subject to him passing a physical here. After a standard and thorough physical and medical review with Larry yesterday afternoon, our medical team deemed him to have failed his physical and therefore, unfortunately, we are not signing him today."
"This is difficult and it is emotional for everyone involved, but ultimately is what is in the best interest of protecting the Chicago Bears."
As a result of Ogunjobi's failed physical, the Bears are signing defensive lineman Justin Jones, who is a significant downgrade from Ogunjobi.
I'm sure the first reaction from many Bears fans will be to blame Poles for the perceived bungled signing.
But I don't think that's fair at all.
Poles is in a tough spot. He knows the Bears' roster needs to be rebuilt, while also trying to stay competitive in 2022. Signing Ogunjobi signaled that Chicago was committed to being a competitive team in 2022, despite the roster teardown. It also signaled that the Bears are going to be a tough team that plays stingy defense and dominates in the trenches.
Just because it didn't work out isn't Poles' fault. There was no way to know that Ogunjobi would fail his physical.
Yes, Ogunjobi is coming back from a foot injury. But this is a player that only missed three regular seasons games in the last four years. We see guys signed that are coming off injuries all the time. Nothing about this should be on Poles.
Sometimes things just happen. There doesn't always have to be someone to blame. This is one of those times.
This signing not working out will hurt the Bears in 2022, but it shouldn't have any bearing on the long-term plans beyond this season. Poles has plenty of time to identify other talented defensive linemen that Chicago could acquire (via either the draft, trade or free agency next offseason).
Poles has a solid long-term plan. And it's a plan that fans should believe in, regardless of Ogunjobi's failed physical.
Featured image via David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
