Most Chicago Bears fans know by now that the 2022 season likely isn't going to result in a Super Bowl appearance for their favorite team.

That's because the Bears are going through a massive rebuild under new general manager Ryan Poles.

And Poles isn't taking any shortcuts.

Chicago wants to be competitive in 2022, but they don't want to sacrifice future financial flexibility to make big signings that won't help the team beyond this season.

For that reason, the Bears haven't invested a lot of resources into their offensive line.

As a result, Pro Football Focus says Chicago's offensive line is one of the most "unimproved positions groups" in the NFL in 2022 after the first wave of free agency.

From PFF:

New general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear that he’s going to properly rebuild the team instead of trying to salvage the mess that was left behind. That's the right path, and Bears fans should be encouraged by that. Still, there was hope that the offensive line would be an immediate focus after the sheer amount of pressure quarterback Justin Fields dealt with as a rookie.

The former Ohio State Buckeye was under duress at the second-highest rate in the league (42.8%). So far, the Bears have seen their two highest-graded offensive linemen from 2021 — James Daniels and Jason Peters — depart. Daniels is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. Peters is still a free agent, but it’d be a surprise if he re-signed. Chicago did sign center Lucas Patrick, who worked with new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy in Green Bay, but he earned just a 57.5 PFF grade in his lone season starting at the position in 2021.

The Bears lost guards James Daniels and Alex Bars to free agency. Tackle Jason Peters is unsigned but isn't expected to return.

Chicago's lone major addition has been center Lucas Patrick, who has the right attitude to thrive in the culture that Poles and new Bears head coach Matt Eberflus are creating.

The math, however, doesn't add up to be good news for the Bears.

I like Poles' plan. I think he's going to build a Super Bowl contending roster in Chicago. But I think he should've invested a bit more in the offensive line this offseason. Quarterback Justin Fields needs to be protected this season. It doesn't really matter how many games the Bears win this season, they just need to keep Fields healthy.

Maybe Poles will find some good value in the second and third waves of free agency. It would certainly be beneficial to Fields and the future of the franchise.

Featured image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports