5 players Bears GM Ryan Poles should target in free agency and the NFL Draft

Fans of the Chicago Bears are excited about the 2023 NFL Draft, and who can blame them? The No. 1 overall pick gives the Bears total control of the first round. On top of that, the Bears possess over $100 million in cap space, far more than the next closest team, which gives them control of free agency, too.

With resources like that, expectations are understandably high. General manager Ryan Poles has set himself up for a make-or-break offseason, and if his offseason acquisitions include the following players, I’d call it a resounding success.

Here are five players the Chicago Bears should target in free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Daron Payne, Defensive Tackle, Washington

Free Agency

Payne is young and dominant at his position, and the Washington Commanders would be wise to lock him up on a long-term deal or use the franchise tag to keep him around for at least another season.

I hesitated to include Payne on this list because I’ll be shocked if he hits the open market.

If the Washington Commanders somehow fumble contract negotiations and decide not to franchise tag Payne, I expect Poles to call Payne’s agent and tell him that he’ll beat any offer from any other team by a wide margin.

Poles can inject excitement into the fanbase by landing a big-ticket-free agent like Daron Payne.

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Ethan Pocic, Center, Browns

Free Agency

In the last three seasons, Pocic has played 2,351 snaps. He’s been called for just three penalties and given up only six sacks during that time. Pro Football Focus issued him the third-highest grade among centers in 2022.

The Chicago Bears desperately need help along the offensive line’s interior, especially at Center, and Pocic would provide a major upgrade there.

If Pocic hits free agency, he should be the first offensive lineman Poles calls.

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

NFL Draft

It will be a great move if Poles selects Anderson with the first overall pick. If he can trade back two or three slots and still get Anderson? Start building the Ryan Poles statue outside whatever stadium the Chicago Bears eventually call home.

The back-to-back winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and a Heisman finalist, Anderson is the only player from this draft class Bears fans should be pounding the table for.

Signing a free agent like Payne and drafting Anderson in the first round will turn a league-worst pass rush into one of the more feared groups in the NFC North.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Mike McGlinchey, Offensive Tackle

Free Agency

This one might get some eye rolls, and I get it. McGlinchey hasn’t been great this year. He’s given up more sacks and committed more penalties in 2022 than at any point in his career. But he’s been a reliable lineman for years and would provide a steady presence and leadership on one of the league’s worst offensive lines.

Looking at his entire body of work, I’m willing to write this year off as a fluke. Plus, a down-season in a contract year just may make it easier to acquire him.

Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker

Free Agency

Undrafted rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn was probably this year’s biggest (good) surprise for the Chicago Bears. After the Roquan Smith trade, he entered the starting lineup. He made an immediate impact, leading the team with 12 tackles and two sacks in just his second career start, plus what would have been a game-changing interception that a horrendous call by the referees nullified.

But the Chicago Bears still need help in the linebacker room, and Edmunds is arguably the best one entering free agency this offseason. In 2022, he racked up a career-high 121 tackles (he’s never finished a season with fewer than 100 tackles), had twelve passes defended, plus two sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions.

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