Has Ryan Poles Been Too Conservative in Free Agency?

It wasn’t long ago that Chicago Bears fans were bursting at the seams with excitement for 2024 free agency to begin—it was literally three days ago.

That excitement was well-founded. The Bears entered the legal tampering period salary-cap rich. They’re also armed with two top-10 picks, which, by all accounts, will be used on a quarterback at No. 1 overall (Caleb Williams) and the best available prospect at No. 9 overall, assuming GM Ryan Poles doesn’t trade out.

The Chicago Bears would sign luxury players in 2024, or so it seemed. They could afford to. Poles could do more than just window shopping, he had the spending power to sign players like Saquon Barkley, Danielle Hunter, Calvin Ridley Jr., or Christian Wilkins. In fact, he could’ve signed two. Or more!

Instead, the second day of tampering has come and gone, and none of the big-ticket free agents are Bears.

Chicago did sign three players, all of whom are expected to start or contribute significantly. Safety Kevin Byard was the first need filled by Poles, and it was a good signing. Byard is a two-time All-Pro who’s a plug-and-play starter alongside Jaquan Brisker. Next came running back D’Andre Swift, who was the first “big” move for the Bears. He’s an exciting addition to an offense that needs more juice and explosive three-down potential from its running backs. Swift is that guy. Finally, Poles found common contract ground with tight end Gerald Everett, who will be a fine complement to Cole Kmet.

But if we’re being honest, none of those transactions satisfy expectations. This was supposed to be a franchise-altering offseason, and I believe it still will be once Caleb Williams’ name is called at the first pick. Let’s be real: if the Bears don’t have a quarterback, it doesn’t matter who Ryan Poles signs. Fortunately, Chicago has a chance not only to have a quarterback but to roster the most talented quarterback in franchise history… by a country mile.

Still, it would’ve been nice to pair Hunter with Montez Sweat. Instead, Hunter is a Houston Texan.

It would’ve been awesome to see Wilkins wreak havoc on opposing offenses. Instead, he’s a Las Vegas Raider.

Barkley shredding NFC North defenses would’ve been fun. Instead, he’s an Eagle.

Hey, Ridley still hasn’t signed with anyone! Maybe there’s a chance! Just don’t count on it. He’s zeroing in on a return to Jacksonville or a new beginning with the Patriots.

I trust Ryan Poles. I trust his team-building philosophy, which is centered around the NFL Draft. He prefers to use free agency to supplement a roster that’s been built through the draft, and while the Bears are closing in on that kind of team, they’re still a year or two from being one big-money free agent away from a Super Bowl run.

We all know the rules of fiscal responsibility, and we all know they’re really hard to follow. If Ryan Poles has proven one thing as general manager, it’s that he has an incredible amount of self control. He draws a line in the sand and doesn’t cross it, no matter how tempting a player might be. If the price gets too high, the Bears bail. It’s as simple as that.

But, maybe, just maybe, Poles should… live a little. Splurge. Buy yourself something nice, ya know?

The Chicago Bears had a rare opportunity to sign an elite three-tech, an elite pass rusher, or an elite offensive weapon, and they chose not to. They’re bargain shopping, and it may end up costing them in the end.