3 free agents that fit the new Chicago Bears defense
By Ryan Heckman
One of the biggest hopes for the Chicago Bears in hiring new head coach Matt Eberflus is finding a fresh, new identity on defense.
Eberflus comes from the Indianapolis Colts, of course, where they ran a 4-3 scheme. That’s exactly the type of defense Eberflus plans to run in Chicago, now, which means some changes are on the horizon.
We will probably see Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn deployed off the ends, rushing the passer from a down standpoint. New general manager Ryan Poles, along with Eberflus, will have to find some new pieces at linebacker, for sure.
But, the Bears will have holes to fill at other areas on defense, too. With only five draft picks this year, free agency will be key for filling those voids.
Free agency provides some real good defensive names for the Chicago Bears’ new defense this year.
Whether it’s at linebacker, cornerback or safety, the Bears have plenty of work to do in order to fill out their new-look starting defense.
Fortunately, they have a decent amount of cap space going into free agency — currently the 11th-most in the league. Poles will have to use that money wisely, though, with the limitation on his draft capital.
The likelihood of Poles finding additional draft capital is high, but free agency comes first, and the Bears have to be very smart about finding some impact players on that route. Setting themselves up for less pressure and more flexibility with the draft is key.
If Chicago wanted to find some potential starters on defense in free agency, one of these three names would fit well.