Chicago Bears’ Biggest Needs Post-Free Agency

Offensive Line

Arguably the biggest hole before free agency, Ryan Pace has not signed a single offensive lineman yet. My guess is Pace is playing the waiting game so he can get a discount on a journeymen offensive guard and tackle. I can’t blame him for that since the Bears’ cap space is pretty tight at the moment. On the other hand, the Bears staff could also believe that highly-coveted undrafted free agent guard Alex Bars out of Notre Dame is ready to take over at right guard. Even if they do, they need solid depth on the line. There are still plenty of solid options in free agency, as well as the NFL Draft come April. The position will get addressed.

Tight End

Yes, the Bears did sign 33-year-old tight end, Jimmy Graham, to a favorable deal, but that doesn’t solve their problems for the future. Graham may be the short-term tight end solution, but they need someone to take over and learn under Graham. The NFL Draft is a great place for this as there are a few solid tight ends that are going to go in the second round since the draft is so deep. Expect the Bears to take at least one tight end in the draft to study under Graham. On the contrary, Pace may still have some faith in second-round bust Adam Shaheen.

Safety

The Bears just resigned Deon Bush and signed strong safety Jordan Lucas, but neither of these guys are studs. The safety class is deep this year in the draft and a very good strong safety may fall right into their laps in the second round or third round if they trade back. Pagano has had high praise for Bush, but I still expect the Bears to attempt to improve the position.

Wide Receiver

Looking at the Bears’ depth chart at wide receiver, they look solid from top to bottom. The Bears have a true number-one in Allen Robinson, they have a great number-two in Anthony Miller, and they have some great depth behind them with Riley Ridley, Javon Wims, and Cordarrelle Patterson. However, the Bears lack a true speedster to stretch the defense. The Bears need to add a cheap speedy wide receiver either at the end of free agency or in the draft. It isn’t the end of the world if they don’t add a wide receiver, but this should be a priority to get one. The Bears may just use Patterson in this role, but it remains to be unseen.

Quarterback

The Bears have their young quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles on the roster. They should be set right? No. The Bears need to add another quarterback to be the third guy since Nick Foles suffered a broken clavicle last season and Trubisky played all of last season with a torn labrum. Both quarterbacks have taken their fair share of hits and have gotten banged up. Trubisky has never played a 16 game season and neither has Foles. It would be smart to add someone late in the draft that could turn out to be like Gardner Minshew for the Jaguars. Cole McDonald could fill that void.

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