4 takeaways from Chicago Bears’ early free agent signings

The Chicago Bears were one of the busiest teams at the start of 2023 NFL free agency. They spent big money on linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and signed other starters — LB TJ Edwards, OG Nate Davis, DL DeMarcus Walker — to reasonable deals that didn’t break the bank.

Still armed with the most salary cap space in the NFL, the Bears are expected to make more power moves as the days in free agency march on.

For now, let’s look at four takeaways from the Chicago Bears’ early free-agency decisions.

Bears are fixing the run defense with linebacker upgrades

The Chicago Bears were expected to focus a lot of their resources on upgrading the front seven of the defense. The prevailing opinion was that the priority would be adding a dominant three-technique on the defensive line. Instead, GM Ryan Poles spent big money on two new starting linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds and TJ Edwards.

Perhaps, after reviewing tape since the end of the season, the Bears believe much of the blame for the defense’s failures was at the second level, the linebackers. By adding Edmunds, who profiles as a defensive eraser, and Edwards, who’s a rock-solid three-down player, the Chicago Bears’ run defense will improve. The pass defense will get better, too, especially with Edmunds’ ability in coverage.

Chicago will add a three-tech, perhaps in the second wave of free agency or in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. But one thing is clear after the first day of free-agent activity: the Bears prioritized upgrading their linebackers. And they accomplished that goal.

Chicago Bears aren’t panicking at offensive tackle

There were some big (massive!) contracts handed out to offensive tackles Monday, namely Mike McGlinchey (Broncos) and Jawaan Taylor (Chiefs). Reports had the Bears in contract negotiations with McGlinchey at the start of Monday’s negotiation window, but once the contract got out of Ryan Poles’ comfort zone, he bailed.

We don’t know if Chicago was in the mix for Taylor, but considering he got paid more than McGlinchey, it’s safe to assume they weren’t.

Kaleb McGary and Orlando Brown Jr. remain unsigned at the time of this post, and it’s odd, considering both were ranked among the best free agents available in 2023. Maybe the Bears are playing the long game and letting the offensive tackle market come to them.

I expect an offensive tackle to be added before the NFL Draft kicks off, and there’s still a chance it’ll be a big name. The Bears will make sure the signing is on their terms, though.

Nate Davis was a priority for Bears GM Ryan Poles

One of the surprising players the Bears signed Monday was Titans guard Nate Davis. It’s not that Davis is a bad player, it’s quite the contrary. Davis is considered one of the top young guards in the NFL. Instead, the Bears’ needs along the offensive line seem more pressing at center and tackle. Cody Whitehair and Teven Jenkins were Chicago’s starting guards in 2022, and they were fine.

Davis wasn’t signed to a $30 million contract to sit the bench. He’ll be a key starter for the Bears’ offensive line for a long time. And that means either Whitehair or Jenkins is facing a position change or demotion.

Hey, this is the NFL. Nothing is promised to any player, and if an upgrade can be had, it’s usually had. That’s what Poles did with Davis, who should pay instant dividends in pass protection and the run game.

Bears didn’t overpay for any of their signings

The best news for Chicago Bears fans is that Ryan Poles didn’t overpay for any players he signed on Day 1. Edmunds got paid big money, but that was his market value. He’s one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, those guys cost a lot.

TJ Edwards? DeMarcus Walker? Nate Davis? All three will be key players (and upgrades) in 2023, and they’re all on team-friendly contracts.

Poles has long said he won’t spend money in free agency just to spend it. The Bears began the week with the most salary cap space in the NFL. Ryan Poles can sign whoever he wants. But he has to want the player, and the dollars have to line up with his valuation.

He’s staying the course so far, and the Bears will benefit from his approach in the long run.