Chicago Bears News: Top free agent defensive lineman gets franchise tag

On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears, along with all 31 other teams, were given the opportunity to begin using the 2023 franchise tag.

While the Bears are unlikely to use the tag themselves, it’s something that could wildly affect their free agency plans. General manager Ryan Poles has some key areas to work on, but depending on who might or might not be available, he’ll have to have a few backup plans.

One of the best free agent options for Chicago, regardless of position, was going to be Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne. Chicago needs to dramatically re-invent their defensive line, and Payne would have been one heck of a signing.

Unfortunately for Bears fans, it was reported that the Commanders are going to use the franchise tag on Payne for 2023, taking him out of the free agency pool.

The Chicago Bears still have plenty of free agent options after Daron Payne receives the franchise tag

Payne sure would have been a phenomenal signing for the Bears, but even though he’s likely off the market, Chicago will have a ton of options to spend on.

One of the biggest names likely to be available is Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, who just turned 30 years old and is in the thick of his prime. Hargrave would be an excellent addition to this defense, coming over from one of the league’s best defenses in 2022.

Another option, and a bit younger, is Dalvin Tomlinson of the Minnesota Vikings. Tomlinson is set to turn 29 soon, and gives the Bears one extra year of youth. As an interior lineman, Tomlinson is one of the better pass rushers at his position.

Some other options across the defensive line include: defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (27), defensive end Poona Ford (27), defensive end A’Shawn Robinson (27), defensive end Marcus Davenport (26) and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones (26).