The trade deadline has just passed, and the Bears have said hello and goodbye to many players. To nobody’s surprise, the Bears traded defensive end, Robert Quinn, to Philadelphia and linebacker, Roquan Smith, to Baltimore for draft compensation. It is clear that Ryan Poles is preparing for the future by trading away disgruntled and aging players for young offensive playmakers, like Chase Claypool, and future draft picks. As the Bears’ front office prepares for the future, so do our predictions for free agency. With over 110 million in cap space heading into the offseason, the Bears have room to splurge. With a lot of improvements to be made on the roster, these are the top three free agents the Bears should consider signing in 2023.
Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker
You may be surprised not to see a wide receiver first on the list, but the upcoming free-agent wide receiver class is looking rough. Ryan Poles said in a press conference recently, that the reason they landed Claypool was because of the weak receivers in free agency. However, unlike receivers, the linebacker market is full of studs. With Roquan Smith gone, Tremaine Edmunds stands out as a replacement. The 24-year-old, two-time pro-bowler has started almost every game during his last five years in Buffalo. With the Buffalo Bills sitting at negative 11 million in cap space, Tremaine Edmunds is likely on the move and fills a perfect role for Chicago.
Orlando Brown Jr., Offensive Tackle
The Bears’ offensive line has been abysmal since Trubisky’s days at Chicago began. Since Poles became general manager, he has addressed that he wants to solidify our offensive line to protect Justin Fields. While the offensive line is far from perfect, signing Orlando Brown Jr. would be a major stepping stone for the offense. Orlando Brown Jr. appeared for every snap on offense during 2019, 2020, and 2021 and has started every game he’s appeared in since his sophomore season. With a height of 6 foot 8 and weight of 363 pounds, Orlando Brown Jr. would form a deadly duo of offensive tackles with Teven Jenkins.
Mitch Morse, Center
The center position has been the weakest aspect of the Bears’ offensive line this season. The Bears’ current center, Sam Mustipher, looks lost on certain plays and makes effortless blocking attempts. This could all change with 8-year veteran Mitch Morse taking on the starting center position. Mitch Morse would be a huge upgrade at center and also provide a veteran presence for younger guys like Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom. Mitch Morse is 30 years old, but judging by the way he’s playing in Buffalo, he looks ready for another few more seasons. Mitch Morse could be a bargain for the Bears, and assist Poles in totally revamping the Bears’ offensive line.
Of course, there will be more players signed by the Bears than just three, but these guys stand out the most to me. As always, these are also just predictions, but I would think the Bears’ management is crazy if they didn’t sign a linebacker or offensive lineman in free agency. Let me know your thoughts on who the Bears should sign or if you agree with my picks in the comments below.
I personally have to disagree because of there recent comments on coverage linebacker value to the roster i feel like Daron Payne would be higher on their list than edmunds
Jenkins is better off at guard and what do you do with Braxton jones in this scenario