The Chicago Bears have a lot of money to spend in free agency, but the team’s reputation as a perennial bottom feeder may make some of the biggest fish difficult to land.
Consider Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is set to hit the market in March and could provide a huge boost to the Bears’ struggling pass rush. Jones stayed with the defending champions until 2023, and he recently admitted that this could be his final season.
However, on Wednesday, December 6, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report advised Jones to avoid Chicago, an opinion that is far from unique in NFL media circles.
Chris Jones leads the free-agent Big Board as one of the game’s most dominant interior pass-rushers. He also makes the list as one of the few elite players who believes he is ready to leave his team.
The Chicago Bears would be a legitimate contender. The Chiefs’ defense, like Matt Eberflus’, has a 4-3 base. The acquisition of Montez Sweat provides them with a pass-rushing foundation that will be bolstered by Jones.
However, it is reasonable to question whether the timelines for Jones and Chicago coincide. The Bears’ quarterback situation remains unresolved… And the verdict on Eberflus is still out. Jones will be looking for a multi-year contract as he approaches his 30th birthday. He makes a lot of sense for a 2024 team, but it’s unclear whether the Bears will be that kind of team.
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