Chicago Bears GM Poles off to rough start after another unfortunate blunder

This Chicago Bears offseason has not been nearly as dramatic as many other teams around the league, with more internal changes happening than anything else.

The Bears brought in a brand-new coaching staff under first-year general manager Ryan Poles, who began rebuilding this team from the ground up.

After cutting ties with several of his own players, Poles got to work in free agency. One of the more notable signings made by Poles was bringing in someone he knew from his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, wide receiver Byron Pringle.

Pringle was thought to be the starting slot guy right away, but recent news of an arrest may have the Bears re-thinking their depth chart and future plans at wideout.

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles has now experienced two misfortunes with free agent players he signed within his first week.

Pringle was said to be doing “donuts” in his car while his child was in there with him. Opinions may vary on the severity of that situation, but the arrest also included Pringle driving with a suspended license.

Now, whether the Bears decide to do anything remains to be seen. But, this is Poles’ second misfortune when it comes to one of his free agent signings.

Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi signed a 3-year, $40.5 million deal with the Bears to begin free agency. However, after failing his physical due to a foot injury he still wasn’t recovered from, the Bears had to let Ogunjobi go as his deal fell through.

Some believe there is still a possibility the Bears sign Ogunjobi once again, especially after a recent instagram post from the defensive tackle. But, the fact of the matter is, Poles has had two of his more notable free agent signings not necessarily go as planned.

With the 2022 NFL Draft this week, Pringle’s situation must be monitored. The Bears are already in need of wide receiver help. But, does Pringle’s arrest change how Poles’ strategy is lined up?

Do the Bears bring Ogunjobi back before the draft?

Both of these guys’ situations could greatly influence the draft and whether Poles goes after certain positions earlier rather than later. It could also influence the fact that Poles may need to try and acquire even more draft capital via trading back.

For now, we wait and see what Poles has to say about Pringle’s situation, at least. The Draft kicks off Thursday night, with the first round, and then Friday night is the big night to watch for the Bears as that’s the second and third rounds.