The Chicago Bears have over $70 million in salary cap space. Head coach Ben Johnson has already declared his intentions to win immediately. That should tell you the team aims to be aggressive this year in free agency. GM Ryan Poles insisted the team will remain selective with its approach. He does not intend to throw money at everybody. It comes down to the right player at the right position. To this end, Bears fans remain somewhat uncertain. They have their theories about where the team will focus, but it still isn’t clear.
Not anymore. Poles appeared on NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal, and he didn’t beat around the bush. Even with the recent news regarding Trey Smith in Kansas City, the Bears still fully intend to focus their free agency efforts on the offensive line. More specifically, they want to get the interior fixed. That means the guard and center markets will see lots of action at Halas Hall.
Ryan Poles understands where the primary issues lay.
Darnell Wright was the team’s best blocker at right tackle last season. He is developing into one of the NFL’s best. Braxton Jones was a more than adequate left tackle prior to his broken leg last season. Meanwhile, all three interior positions feature a problem. Teven Jenkins still can’t stay healthy and is a free agent. Coleman Shelton settled in at center but is also hitting the market. Right guard was a true disaster. Nate Davis was cut midseason, Ryan Bates suffered multiple injury setbacks, and Matt Pryor is a backup.
There are plenty of interior options Ryan Poles could go after. Center Drew Dalman is a heavy favorite among teams. Kevin Zeitler, though 35, has ties to Ben Johnson from Detroit. Mekhi Becton saw a career resurgence at right guard for the world champion Eagles. Will Fries is a major wild card, having played well in Indianapolis before his season-ending injury. Aaron Banks was a decent blocker in San Francisco who fits the profile Johnson likes. It will be interesting to see which direction Poles goes.
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