The Chicago Bears got off to a fast start in 2023 free agency, adding several players expected to make a big impact next season, beginning with the decision to trade the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for wide receiver D.J. Moore and extending to the free-agent signings of linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards, defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker, guard Nate Davis, running back Travis Homer and quarterback PJ Walker.
General manager Ryan Poles has been selective and decisive with his early spending, but there’s still work to be done. He admitted as much in his press conference Thursday. Poles acknowledged that not every hole could be filled during free agency’s first few days. The second wave of veteran signings will help fix some needs, as will the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here are the top remaining need areas on the Chicago Bears roster after the first wave of free-agent signings.
Right Tackle
The Bears were in the early mix for Mike McGlinchey at the start of free agency, but once the Denver Broncos raised the money bar, Chicago bailed. And it appears Poles wasn’t comfortable with any of the other available tackles who signed in the first wave of free agency.
The list of best remaining offensive tackles in free agency is uninspiring. At this point, players like Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones are good bets to be in play for the Chicago Bears at No. 9 overall in the NFL Draft.
Three-technique
DeMarcus Walker has interior ability but doesn’t move the needle as much as the kind of three-tech Bears fans hoped would be signed in free agency. Names like Javon Hargrave and Dre’Mont Jones were atop many Bears’ likely free-agent targets lists, but they signed monster deals with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, respectively. Walker is a solid consolation prize, but more is needed to upgrade Chicago’s defensive line.
Perhaps a veteran like DeForest Buckner becomes available via trade. Much like offensive tackle, the remaining free agents are fringe starters who won’t be an upgrade over Justin Jones or Walker.
Georgia’s Jalen Carter’s 2023 draft stock has declined since reports of his legal troubles surfaced, but they were resolved Thursday. His pro day didn’t help his cause, which could make him slip to the Bears at No. 9. If Ryan Poles feels comfortable with his character, he’d be an incredible value in the first round.
Running Back
The loss of David Montgomery delivered a hard blow to the Chicago Bears running back depth. Khalil Herbert is the presumed RB1, and newly signed Travis Homer has a chance to be the primary backup. Trestan Ebner is on the roster bubble as the potential RB3.
The Bears’ offense relied on its running game in 2022, and they’ll need to make sure there’s enough talent on the roster to maintain that strong rushing attack. Herbert has breakout potential, but an insurance policy is required.
There are plenty of veterans who can probably be signed to one-year deals (Kareem Hunt, for example) to be rotational players in 2023. The NFL Draft will also offer good value at running back in the third and fourth rounds.
Tight End
Cole Kmet had a good season in 2022 and will return as one of the foundational pieces on offense this season. But his ater-the-catch limitations make tight end a weak area that a playmaking receiver can upgrade.
Mike Gesicki is a name to monitor. He’s a wide receiver cosplaying as a tight end. He’d be a fantastic complement to Kmet.
The 2023 NFL draft has one of the deepest tight end classes in years. If the Chicago Bears choose to ignore the position in free agency, they’ll have little trouble finding a pass-catching tight end in April.
Cornerback
Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon are the top two cornerbacks on the roster, but the depth beyond them is average at best. Cornerbacks are pricey in free agency, but solid veterans tend to hang around until the second and third waves. That’s when they can be picked off — no pun intended — on the cheap.
The Chicago Bears placed a high value on defensive backs in the 2022 NFL Draft, using their first two selections on a cornerback and safety. I doubt they will do that again this year, so watch for a veteran signing in the coming weeks.
