Chicago Bears: 5 free agents familiar with head coach Matt Nagy

3. DT Dontari Poe

The Bears are looking for someone to fill the spot opposite Akiem Hicks on their defensive line. A few weeks ago, I listed Dontari Poe as a guy the Bears should stay away from. There are a couple of reasons why, and I then noted that money would be an issue with the seven year veteran.

As for his familiarity with Nagy, Poe played five seasons with the Chiefs dating back to 2012. Nagy was there for four of them.

Familiarity is a good thing, as I’ve said. But, so is using your money wisely.It’s not that the Bears don’t have the money to spend, it is simply that he might command more than he is worth.

With the Falcons in 2017, Poe was nothing spectacular. At times, he looked great against the run. For most of his career, that has been where he’s played his best football. Against the run, he is absolutely above average. But, rushing the passer is a different story.

Poe’s career high sack total for a season is just 6.5. His second highest? Just a measly 4.5. Aside from those seasons, Poe has never finished above 2.5 — his total last year with Atlanta.

The Bears have struggled in creating turnovers, and that’s the kind of player they are looking to pair up with Hicks. They need a guy that can rush the passer and get pressure on quarterbacks. Is Poe that guy? Probably not.

Now, Poe does still add value to the defense as a rotational guy, especially in running situations.But, the issue there is that he will likely want starter’s money. Is Pace willing to pay that for a guy who doesn’t necessarily fit the bill? I doubt it.