2024 offseason offers Bears chance for reinforcements along defensive line

Next up in my offseason series covering how Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles can level up the roster this season are the interior defensive linemen. In case you missed it, you can catch up on how I think the Bears can improve their defensive ends over the next few months.

Not many position groups in Chicago will need as little help as this one, as Poles has already done a tremendous job adding talent to the defensive line. Need proof? The Chicago Bears went from second to last in stopping the run in 2022 to the best run defense in the league in 2023. Much of that had to do with the improved play of the interior guys.

Much of the credit for this turnaround has to go to Andrew Billings. Not many Bears fans knew his name before Ryan Poles signed him last offseason, but they do now. Billings was a force in the middle of the defensive line, swallowing up double-teams and not surrendering gaps for running backs to power through.

He performed so well that he signed a 2-year, $8.5 million contract extension before the end of the season.

Rookie Gervon Dexter Sr. also flashed some tremendous promise towards the end of the season. After a so-so start to his career, Dexter found his stride over the final stretch of the season and left us with some fantastic film to watch.

Bears fans should be excited to see what he can become with new defensive coordinator Eric Washington.

But there’s always room for improvement, and if Ryan Poles decides to pour resources into this position group in the offseason, plenty of bang for his buck is available.

Who’s Out

Consider me a fan of Justin Jones. He hasn’t been great in Chicago, but he’s been dependable and has provided reliable veteran leadership. However, his contract is up, and I don’t see the Bears retaining his services unless he were to accept what would be a demotion and a smaller salary.

Jones has probably played his last game in Chicago.

Free Agency

Much like the defensive ends, some stud defensive tackles are entering free agency.

The first name that stands out is Christian Wilkins (Miami Dolphins). He had a career year in 2023, racking up nine sacks, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He enters the 2024 offseason without as an unrestricted free agent, and the Dolphins are currently $50 million over the cap. They may not have the cash to meet Wilkin’s likely market value, which is just over $20 million AAV, according to Spotrac. Miami does have the franchise tag at its disposal.

Wilkins to the Chicago Bears would be an easy “A” for Poles.

Javon Kinlaw of the San Francisco 49ers is another name to monitor. He has injury concerns, but he played every game this season, and he was solid. He may want to stay in San Francisco, especially if the 49ers win the Super Bowl, but he would be a good option for the Bears and would be much cheaper, as Spotrac projects his market value at just $5.4 million AAV.

I’ll mention another name, though it seems like a pipe dream: Chris Jones (Kansas City Chiefs). One of the very best in the game at his position, he would be an incredible addition to Chicago’s defensive line. However, he’s turning 30, would be expensive, and, like Kinlaw, would probably prefer to stay with his current team.

2024 NFL Draft

Unfortunately, Jalen Carter is not in the 2024 NFL Draft. Jer’Zhan Newton (Illinois) leads the way, but he’s likely to come off the board after the Chicago Bears’ second first-rounder (No. 9 overall) and before their next pick, currently in the third round.

The second day of the NFL Draft should have plenty of viable options for the Bears, particularly Michael Hall of Ohio State and Braden Fiske of Florida State. Both players were at the Senior Bowl this week, where Bears Talk got an up-close look. Hall and Fiske showed out in this important pre-draft event, and you have to believe Ryan Poles took notice. The Bears may need to acquire a 2nd-round pick in a trade in order to get either of these young men.

Which interior defensive linemen do you think the Chicago Bears should pursue in free agency and the 2024 NFL Draft? Sign up for a free user account and share your opinion in the comments. If you’d like an ad-free Bears Talk and access to our exclusive content, consider leveling up to a premium account for just $3.49/mo or $29.99/yr. We’d love to have you! Bear Down!

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