NFL Rumors: Bears top free agent target is now painfully obvious
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 08: Head coach Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears talks with general manager Ryan Poles prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have money to spend and holes to fill. Their top choice became obvious thanks to a champion’s decision.
The offseason is underway, and the Chicago Bears have holes to fill and dollars to spend. This team is in need of a makeover and fast.
From having their fans told that they don’t get to have an opinion about their offense (Colin Cowherd) and several analysts continuously stating they need to trade Justin Fields (notably Mike Tannenbaum), it’s evident that the Windy City has been taking shots after shots with the hope that someday, the blowback Chicago delivers will be worth it.
For now, they are focused on building their roster, and their top choice just became obvious thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs opting not to re-sign or tag left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who has been a staple of that team and a vital member of the Super Bowl LVII Championship team.
NFL rumors: Bears must target Orlando Brown Jr. now that he’s available
It’s pretty clear why Chicago needs to be in Orlando Brown Jr. For one, he blocked for Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes in his tenure, and he just won a Super Bowl where he allowed zero sacks during the postseason. That’s all well and good. But there’s also something to take into consideration.
A championship team is not built overnight. The Bears still have time to make a move, and the draft is filled with left and right tackles that can be brought in on rookie contracts and be developed. Free agency is merely to add the final pieces to help get over the hump. The same rule applies to the defense as well.
Orlando Brown Jr. would be a massive upgrade for the Bears. But one player is not the critical difference to getting the Bears to Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII. They will be rebuilding for some time. It would be a blessing to have Brown on the team, but Chicago needs to be wise with the money and also retain the few players from last year’s team that contributed at a high level and warrant an extension.
