Chicago Bears Expected to Ink Deals with Two Seasoned Free Agents
The Chicago Bears made strides during the 2023 NFL Draft, but questions remain about their lack of defensive end selections. With the team ranking last in the NFL with only 20 sacks last season, many expected the Bears to focus on bolstering their defensive line. Although GM Ryan Poles selected three defensive tackles, no defensive ends were chosen. Poles acknowledged that not everything can be fixed at once and emphasized the importance of finding the right players for the team's scheme.
Brad Spielberger from Pro Football Focus analyzed the post-draft landscape and identified two players who could fill the gaps in the Bears' roster. Both of these potential additions should be within reach if the team acts swiftly.
Edge Yannick Ngakoue:
2023 Team Prediction: Chicago Bears
Original FA Ranking: 62
"Ngakoue's 2022 production makes us wary once you look at his underlying metrics, with his 9.5 sacks this past season well above the expectation of a player with his pass-rush win rate and pressure rate. That being said, he's registered at least eight sacks in every season of his seven-year career and was a more menacing pass rusher on a per-snap basis from 2017 to 2021."
OT George Fant:
2023 Team Prediction: Chicago Bears
Original FA Ranking: 104
"Chicago drafted Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright No. 10 overall to solidify both bookends of their offensive line, but it could be a good idea to add a cheaper veteran swing tackle with familiarity in a wide-zone rushing attack"
"...Injuries derailed his 2022 campaign, but the seventh-year tackle earned a career-high 75.1 pass-blocking grade in 2021, playing almost exclusively at left tackle. His 3.2% pressure rate allowed was the sixth-lowest among tackles on the season."
2023 Team Prediction: Chicago Bears
Original FA Ranking: 62
"Ngakoue's 2022 production makes us wary once you look at his underlying metrics, with his 9.5 sacks this past season well above the expectation of a player with his pass-rush win rate and pressure rate. That being said, he's registered at least eight sacks in every season of his seven-year career and was a more menacing pass rusher on a per-snap basis from 2017 to 2021."
OT George Fant:
2023 Team Prediction: Chicago Bears
Original FA Ranking: 104
"Chicago drafted Tennessee tackle Darnell Wright No. 10 overall to solidify both bookends of their offensive line, but it could be a good idea to add a cheaper veteran swing tackle with familiarity in a wide-zone rushing attack"
"...Injuries derailed his 2022 campaign, but the seventh-year tackle earned a career-high 75.1 pass-blocking grade in 2021, playing almost exclusively at left tackle. His 3.2% pressure rate allowed was the sixth-lowest among tackles on the season."
Ngakoue, a consistent pass rusher with 65 career sacks, excels at getting to the quarterback but struggles against the run. Connected to the Bears' coaching staff, he could greatly benefit their defensive front. Fant, boasting 60 starting games and impressive 2021 stats, is a strong swing tackle option despite recent injuries.
As seen at: Chicago Bears Predicted To Sign Two Veteran Free Agents
| POLL | ||
4 MAI | 342 ANSWERS Chicago Bears Expected to Ink Deals with Two Seasoned Free Agents Which addition would you like more? | ||
| George Fant | 49 | 14.3 % |
| Yannick Ngakoue | 293 | 85.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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