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8 NFL free agents who could be on Bears wish list on defensive side of the ball originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
In Chicago, folks have been laser focused on what the Bears will do with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. But we’re a month away from the start of free agency negotiations and the Bears are projected to have nearly $50 million to spend. They’ve still got plenty of holes to fill on the roster, too, so there’s a good chance they’re active when the market opens.
Here’s a stab at some of the players who could be on GM Ryan Poles’ wishlist on the defensive side of the ball if they don’t sign extensions or get tagged by their respective teams.
BRIAN BURNS – PANTHERS DEFENSIVE END
Burns has been linked to the Bears for several years now. His name was mentioned as a potential player to come to Chicago in the deal that sent the No. 1 overall pick to Carolina last year. There were reports that the Bears checked in on a Burns trade at last year’s deadline, too. But obviously the Panthers haven’t let Burns out of their building yet and there’s a chance they use the franchise tag to keep him around if they don’t sign him to an extension.
If they don’t, Burns figures to be at the top of the Bears’ free agent wish list. He was a dynamo for the Panthers throughout the duration of his rookie contract, with 46 sacks, 59 TFL and eight forced fumbles in five years. Further, Burns is just entering his prime so he and Montez Sweat could form an explosive pass rush duo for the foreseeable future.
The Bears have a decision to make with Eddie Jackson this offseason. His leadership and communication in the back of the defense alone could be worth his $18 million cap hit. But a nagging foot injury has cost him the better parts of the last two seasons, and Ryan Poles could decide to cut bait to save cash.
If he does, Edwards has emerged as a reliable option for the Chiefs this season. He took over at free safety when Bryan Cook went out with an…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/8-nfl-free-agents-could-200056493.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-02-13 20:00:56
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