Ranking the Chicago Bears offseason needs as free agency heats up

Fields is the unquestioned starter heading into trading camp. The Chicago Bears could keep Nick Foles but he is a $10 million salary-cap hit. That is a big number for a backup.

The Bears could look at a third tier free agent to address the backup quarterback position. Tim Boyle would have made sense with his familiarity with the new Bears offense but he re-signed with the Detroit Lions.

Unless the Bears trade Robert Quinn, they are set at pass rusher. Trevis Gipson had seven sacks although he will now have to rush the passer from a three-point stance. The Bears need to add depth at this position. This can be addressed in the second and third tiers of free agency.

As the roster gets better, the Bears can use another offseason to draft, sign, or trade for another Khalil Mack-type pass rusher.

The Bears have David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert back. The Bears also claimed Darrynton Evans off of waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Poles could also bring back Damien Williams.

This is the most solid position group the Bears have. It is also a position where you can never have enough depth.

The Bears could address getting that depth in the draft, the third tier of free agency, or even sign some undrafted free agents.

Cairo Santos is entrenched at kicker. He has found a way to have success kicking at Soldier Field. Since it is incredibly tough to kick on the Chicago Bears’ home turf, you hold onto any kicker for dear life who figures out how to consistently hit field goals.

Punter Pat O’Donnell is a free agent. He has been a reliable punter for the Chicago Bears ever since he joined the team. The Bears should bring back this roster mainstay.

Poles did sign Ryan Winslow but that is more of an insurance signing in case O’Donnell leaves via free agency.

Long snapper Patrick Scales is also a free agent. He has done a fine job at this specialist position but Poles did sign a cheaper option in Beau Brinkley. It will be interesting to see if Poles wants to bring back Scales or go the cheaper route with Brinkley.

The Bears can use the third tier of free agency to find players who can help on the coverage units. For example, it appears special teams stalwart Joel Iyiegbuniwe is moving on in free agency.