NFL free agency is nowhere close to being over. Sure, the headline-grabbing names have all found new homes (for the most part), but the process of adding veteran talent to the Chicago Bears’ roster continues.
Consider the last wave of signings by GM Ryan Poles. It appeared the Bears were hibernating after signing Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and the rest of their priority targets. Then came Thursday’s flurry of activity. Poles signed Andrew Billings, D’Onta Foreman, Robert Tonyan, and PJ Walker.
Nobody saw that coming.
And that’s why Bears fans can’t assume the 2023 free agency is in the rear-view mirror. Chicago still has the most money under the salary cap and can pluck their choice of second- and third-wave free agents. There’s plenty of talent to be had, too.
Here are the top four remaining free agents that Ryan Poles should consider signing.
Yannick Ngakoue, Edge
The Bears have yet to sign a true pass rusher in free agency. Ngakoue began the process as one of the best available edge rushers in the 2023 free agent class, but he’s slipped through the first and into the second wave of contract signings. It’s a surprising development for a 27-year-old sack artist who’s recorded 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons. He’d immediately become Chicago’s best pass rusher if signed, and at this point, he can probably be had on a cost-effective short-term deal.
Cameron Fleming, OT
Fleming wouldn’t be the fix the Chicago Bears need at right tackle in the starting lineup, but he’d provide valuable swing tackle versatility. He started 15 games for the Denver Broncos in 2022 (nine at right tackle, six at left) and, if nothing else, would give the Bears a solid veteran to serve as the primary backup to Braxton Jones and whoever Poles adds in the draft to start on the right side.
Leonard Floyd, Edge
Former Bear alert! Floyd enjoyed a career breakout with the Los Angeles rams, totaling 29 sacks over the last three seasons. He had just 11.5 during his final three years with the Chicago Bears. He benefited from playing with Aaron Donald, but he deserves some credit for developing his game too. Any bad blood Floyd may have had with Chicago was with the old regime, and I think Bears fans would welcome him back in 2023.
Mecole Hardman, WR
The addition of DJ Moore lessens the need to add another wide receiver, but if Hardman hangs around for another week or so, he’ll end up signing a one-year prove-it deal for 2023. The Bears’ top three wideouts are set with Moore, Chase Claypool, and Darnell Mooney, but adding Hardman’s elite speed as a big-play threat would be a luxury the Bears haven’t had in the passing game in quite some time. He’d be a boom-or-bust signing with virtually no downside at this point.
