5 Most Important Bears Free Agent Targets in 2024
The offseason is officially underway for the Chicago Bears. Many moves need to happen to reshape and build a contending roster. Earlier this week, the Bears released veteran safety Eddie Jackson and center Cody Whitehair, which absolved a plethora of cap space. They saved over $20 million, which has pushed them to the top three teams in the league with the most cap space.
Now it's time to shift focus to free agency. Less than one month away, Bears general manager Ryan Poles can add more talent to the roster. Poles has a type that he likes -- players entering their prime will be the focus. Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Justin Jones, Nate Davis, Demarcus Walker, Lucas Patrick, and D'Onta Foreman are examples.
Not all of them have panned out, but expect Poles to look for the same type of player. The five most important positions the Bears should focus on in free agency are center, free safety, defensive tackle, wide receiver, and edge rusher. Here are five players I believe are the best options for the Bears in free agency.
1. Danielle Hunter: DE, Minnesota Vikings
You can say that the most substantial need for the Bears last year was the entire defensive line. But that position room has improved but still needs more help. The pass rush is significant, and the Bears secured Montez Sweat last year in a trade from the Washington Commanders.
With the Tez effect, the defensive line was tremendous. The next step is to add someone opposite of Sweat. The Bears can go the route of the draft. There will be plenty of options available, such as Dallas Turner (Alabama), Chop Robinson (Penn State), Laiatu Latu (UCLA), and Darius Robinson (Missouri).
However, adding another veteran to the young line would help out tremendously. The Bears have the cap space necessary to pay Danielle Hunter. Minnesota is looking to rebuild, and a veteran edge will not be detrimental to the development of the young guys, Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.
It'll be beneficial for their long-term growth. Hunter is that veteran option to pair with Sweat. If the Bears can bring him in, expect the already improved line to make progress next season.