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ESPN Predicts Bears Make an Underrated Free Agent Addition on Defense

The Chicago Bears could be in the market for a difference-maker along the defensive front in free agency.

By Richard Louis

Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) walks off the
Dec 24, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) walks off the / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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The Chicago Bears are going to be one of the most active teams in March when free agency kicks off. Per OvertheCap, Chicago is scheduled to have the third most cap space in the NFL at $80.3 million. That is a lot of money but that's perfect for the Windy City due to their abundance of needs.

General manager Ryan Poles is going to have his hands full but has the funds to make some meaningful additions.

Jonathan Greenard Named "Best Fit" for the Chicago Bears

Chicago's defense is in dire need of more juice coming off the edge. In 2023, the Bears were ranked 31st in the league in team sacks (30). Before the trade deadline, Chicago acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders. Sweat certainly made an impact, logging a team-high six sacks in nine games.

Despite his production, the Bears need more players who can cause havoc in the backfield. ESPN's Matt Bowen listed the Bears as the best fit for Jonathan Greenard. The 26-year-old is fresh off the best season of his career.

Greenard was tied for 10th in the league in sacks (12.5) and ranked sixth in pass-rush win rate (22%). The Florida product has good athleticism and bend coming around the edge. A potential duo of Greenard and Sweat would give Chicago a formidable tag team rushing the quarterback.

Additionally, Greenard finished the season with a 78.2 PFF grade. He would immediately step in as a starter and line up across from Sweat.

If the Bears make some solid additions over the offseason, they could be a dark horse to make the postseason. However, FanDuel Sportsbook has Chicago listed at +5000 to win Super Bowl LIX. Head over to FanDuel to take advantage of theirsign-up bonus of $150 when you make a winning wager of $5.

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