NEWSLETTER
An impromptu blogathon from the Orlando airport isn’t what I had in mind for my Sunday night going into Monday morning. But as I am oft to say every now and again: “People plan, God laughs.” It is what it is. However, my mind is on what could be for the Chicago Bears when free agency’s “legal tampering” period opens its doors on Monday.
The defensive line is a position group to keep an eye on at the outset of free agency. More specifically, what happens at the defensive tackle position is of high interest to us.
One name who figures to move quickly is Dre’Mont Jones. The Denver Broncos would like to re-sign their starting defensive tackle, but Denver-based reporter Benjamin Albright shares that Jones figures to have a strong market with the Browns, Broncos, Bears, and others jockeying for position.
It is wild to think that one year after the Larry Ogunjobi situation fell apart, it looks like the Bears are again angling to address the interior defensive line in a big way. What’s old is new again! And even though it won’t be with Daron Payne (who got an extension from the Washington Commanders after getting the Franchise Tag) there are worthwhile alternatives. And Jones is at the top of my list.
Jones was seen as a logical fit for the Bears, which makes sense. He checks some boxes. Jones is still young (26) and coming off a strong season (6.5 sacks, 28 pressures, 10 QB hits, 9 tackles-for-loss), There could be another level to his game. Hence, my interest in seeing the Bears as the team signing jones and untapping some of that potential. However, the price is gonna have to be right. Brace yourselves, as the “right” price might be an expensive one. Jones could command a contract that pays him up to $70 million. Want to spread that over four years? Cool. Then we’re looking at a deal worth $17.5M annually, which I don’t believe would be all that prohibitive. But beware. Yesterday’s price is not today’s price. Certainly not after Payne and the Commanders came to an agreement on a deal. So stay tuned.
