The 2023 free agency negotiation window is about to begin, and the Chicago Bears are expected to be one of this year’s biggest spenders.
One player who will cash in on the open market is defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, who is a perfect fit for coach Matt Eberflus’ defense. The Bears need a three-tech, and Hargrave is among the best in the NFL in that role.
Hand meets glove?
According to Pro Football Focus, Hargrave to the Chicago Bears makes too much sense.
“Hargrave may be the Eagles’ top offseason priority as they continue to emphasize rostering several quality interior defensive linemen,” PFF’s Arjun Menon and Brad Spielberger wrote. “He is a perfect pairing next to 2022 first-round nose tackle Jordan Davis. Should Hargrave make it to unrestricted free agency, the Bears almost certainly will be a suitor, with their interior defensive line earning a 36.3 grade in 2022, more than five points worse than any other interior defensive line in the NFL.”
The Bears have been a favorite to sign one of this year’s top interior defensive line free agents since the end of the 2022 season. Washington Commanders star DaRon Payne was the early favorite, but he’s since signed a monster contract to stay in D.C.
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Dre’Mont Jones (Broncos) is another top-tier interior defensive lineman who will have a large contingent of suitors. It’ll be interesting to see which player GM Ryan Poles prefers; Hargrave is more established than Jones, but he’s also four years older.
It’s safe to assume the Chicago Bears will sign one of the top two interior defenders and, to be honest, it doesn’t matter all that much who it is. Jones and Hargrave are massive upgrades over Justin Jones, the Bears’ starter in 2022. Sure, Justin Jones played fine, but Dre’Mont and Hargrave are on a different tier.
The 2023 free agency negotiation window opens at 12 pm EST. Expect a flurry of agreements to be reached soon after the bell goes off.
