When looking at the list of free agents, four teams kept showing up with high-profile free agents who the Bears would likely be interested in. With needs on the offensive line, defensive line, and potentially at wide receiver if Keenan Allen departs, the Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Detroit Lions stand out as teams to watch.
Expect the Bears to Target Free Agents from These Four Teams
Indianapolis Colts
Potential Targets: OG Will Fries, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, C Ryan Kelly, S Julian Blackmon
Arguably the best bunch of the four teams, General Manager Chris Ballard faces a critical offseason, with several key players hitting the market.
Before suffering a season-ending right tibia injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars in October, Will Fries was the 4th rated guard according to PFF with an 86.9 grade. He’s quickly become one of the top guards in the NFL, and at 6’6″ and 305 pounds, he could be a perfect complement to Darnell Wright on the right side of the offensive line.
Dayo Odeyingbo is coming off a breakout season with career highs in sacks (8), tackles (38), and tackles for loss (9). Known for his ability to generate pressure and overpower blockers, he could be a valuable addition.
The Bears desperately need a center and Ryan Kelly is a strong alternative if they miss out on Drew Dalman. Regarded as one of the league’s top centers since entering the NFL in 2016, Kelly has already expressed excitement about exploring free agency.
With Jaquan Brisker’s injury history and Kevin Byard getting up there in age, 26-year-old safety Julian Blackmon could be a sneaky-good addition for the Bears.
Kansas City Chiefs
Potential Targets: OG Trey Smith, DT Tershawn Wharton, EDGE Josh Uche, EDGE Charles Omenihu
Trey Smith will be a hot commodity in free agency—if he even makes it there. The Chiefs could franchise tag him, much like they did with L’Jarius Sneed last offseason, before seeking a trade. If not, expect Smith to be the Bears’ No. 1 priority during free agency.
For defensive line reinforcements, the Bears could turn to Tershawn Wharton, Josh Uche, or Charles Omenihu—all of whom provide affordable depth options.
Philadelphia Eagles
Potential Targets: EDGE Josh Sweat, DT Milton Williams, OG Mekhi Becton, WR Parris Campbell
Creating a ‘Sweat’ duo would be amazing. The question is are the Bears willing to commit big money on two pass rushers?
A more realistic focus would be Super Bowl standout Milton Williams, an underrated defensive tackle who put up two sacks and a forced fumble in the Super Bowl 59 victory. As someone who’s had an eye on Williams for quite some time, it was a bittersweet feeling watching him shine during the Super Bowl, because that only means his price tag is skyrocketing up.
Meanwhile, Mekhi Becton has revitalized his career in Philadelphia after transitioning from tackle to guard under offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. At 6’7″ and 363 pounds, Becton would bring size and power to the Bears’ line. However, he’ll be a risky addition, given his injury history.
Ben Johnson could also look for a speedster. Parris Campbell fits the mold of a deep-threat receiver and would be an affordable signing.
Detroit Lions
Potential Targets: OG Kevin Zeitler, DT Levi Onwuzurike, OT Dan Skipper, WR Tim Patrick
With Ben Johnson taking over as head coach and a few Lions assistants joining the staff, Detroit is a no-brainer team to watch in free agency.
If the Bears miss out on younger offensive linemen, Kevin Zeitler provides short-term stability at right guard, while Dan Skipper offers quality depth at tackle.
On defense, Levi Onwuzurike could round out a rotation with Gervon Dexter Sr. and Andrew Billings at defensive tackle. If Johnson wants to bring in one of his previous WRs, Tim Patrick could be a cheap and impactful addition for the Bears.
Outlook on Free Agents the Bears Could Target
While these four teams offer intriguing free-agent options, the Bears won’t limit their search to just these squads. However, given Ben Johnson’s connections to the Lions, the Super Bowl experience from the Chiefs and Eagles players, and the talent available from the Colts, Chicago has good reason to monitor these teams when free agency begins.
Main Image: Christine Tannous – USA Today Sports
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