3 Players the Bears Should Avoid in Free Agency

The Chicago Bears are scheduled to enter the unrestricted free agency period with approximately $57.5 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. That financial flexibility ranks fifth across the league and should allow general manager Ryan Poles to identify various potential veteran targets. Poles should aggressively pursue instant contributors as the Bears prepare to contend for the NFC North division, but not every free agent is an ideal fit for the Bears. We’ve identified three free-agent players the Bears should avoid signing.

CONNOR WILLIAMS, C, MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Bears are expected to have a new starting center in 2024. They released Cody Whitehair from his contract, and Lucas Patrick is expected to depart in free agency. Miami’s Connor Williams would typically be an intriguing option, but he unfortunately suffered a season-ending torn ACL against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. Williams is still expected to garner significant interest on the market, but the Bears must ensure they acquire an instant contributor at the position. Williams’ recovery period could lead to a lackluster season.

JADEVEON CLOWNEY, EDGE, BALTIMORE RAVENS

Poles should sign an experienced pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat, but he should steer clear of Jadeveon Clowney. A defender whose production and motor runs hot and cold, Clowney rehabilitated his reputation this past campaign by totaling 9.5 sacks with the AFC one-seed Baltimore Ravens. Alternatively, Clowney recorded two sacks with the Cleveland Browns in 2022 and zero sacks with the Titans in 2020. Clowney is most motivated when playing for an instant Super Bowl contender, and the rebuilding Bears don’t represent a logical fit.

MARQUISE “HOLLYWOOD” BROWN, WR, ARIZONA CARDINALS

Poles may search for a like-for-like replacement if Darnell Mooney departs in free agency. Marquise “Hollywood” Brown theoretically fits as an explosive vertical playmaker. Brown is coming off a down season, though, having accumulated a career-low 574 receiving yards. Brown hasn’t been a 1,000-yard receiver since 2021 and has missed eight combined games with injury across the previous two campaigns. Brown’s slender frame carries annual injury concerns. Spotrac projects Brown to sign a contract worth $15 million annually. That’s a hefty price tag, given the injury and production concerns attached to Brown.