Former player identifies four under-the-radar free agents that Ryan Poles might consider pursuing.
Free agency is not the primary target for the Chicago Bears to improve their roster, but with nearly $100 million in available funds, they are expected to utilize the veteran market to address one of the worst rosters in the NFL. The big-name players such as defensive tackles Da'Ron Payne, Dre'Mont Jones, and Javon Hargrave, along with Buffalo linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and Colts pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, are already well-known as ideal fits for Matt Eberflus' three-technique system.
However, it's reasonable to assume that GM Ryan Poles may seek out bargains, i.e., players who can make significant contributions without breaking the bank. ESPN analyst and former defensive back Matt Bowen has conducted extensive research on the 2023 free agent class and is well-versed in Eberflus' preferred system. He has identified four lesser-known players who could immediately bolster the Bears' defense, which was one of the NFL's worst last season.
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo had his best season in 2022, registering five sacks and 11 quarterback hits for the Houston Texans. This was accomplished in a defensive system similar to Eberflus' run by Lovie Smith. Ebukam, another 4-3 defensive end, has been a constant nuisance to opponents over the past two seasons, opposite Nick Bosa, with 9.5 sacks and 26 quarterback hits during that time. Rankins appeared to be a budding star in 2018, recording nine sacks and 16 QB hits as a defensive tackle, but injuries, unfortunately, hindered his progress over the following two years. Nevertheless, he has been a dependable player for the Jets, both as a pass rusher (6 sacks) and run defender.
Okereke is the least surprising of the four players, as Matt Eberflus had a hand in his drafting a few years ago while in Indianapolis. The young linebacker thrived in this system and would be a logical choice to reunite with his former coach. The Bears require more assistance at the position, and he would be an easy fit next to Jack Sanborn. Afterward, they could focus on finding a weakside option in the draft. While none of these players are star-caliber, they would all be valuable additions to the roster.
| POLL | ||
26 FEVRIER | 105 ANSWERS Former player identifies four under-the-radar free agents that Ryan Poles might consider pursuing. Which player would you like to see in a Bears' uniform the most? | ||
| DE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (HOU) | 18 | 17.1 % |
| LB Bobby Okereke (IND) | 39 | 37.1 % |
| DE Samson Ebukam (SF) | 24 | 22.9 % |
| DT Sheldon Rankins (NYJ) | 24 | 22.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
