NEWSLETTER
Even though the Chicago Bears threw a bunch of cash at free-agent defenders on Monday, the team still hasn’t locked down help along the defensive line. And if they eventually come around to do so, it won’t be Zach Allen. Or even Dre’Mont Jones.
That’s because both are signing with other teams. Allen with the Denver Broncos. And Jones with the Seattle Seahawks.
The deets:
Maybe Bears GM Ryan Poles thought double-dipping at linebacker was the move. And perhaps things will play and prove him to be correct. But watching Jones, Allen, and Javon Hargrave sign elsewhere while knowing Chicago still needs help along the defensive line leaves me questioning things. Mostly, questioning what path is open for the Bears to improve that position group. Running it back shouldn’t be an option. Considering how aggressive Poles has been elsewhere, I can’t imagine he’ll sit on his hands and do nothing. Then again, I don’t want him to do something for the sake of doing something. That would be the wrong way to go about team-building up front.
The good news is that there are still waves to the player acquisition process. Surely the Bears could unearth a gem or two out from the second tier of defensive linemen. However, missing out on the top options still stings. No one wants to watch the defensive line get gashed again in the same way it was last year. And while they aren’t in danger of being in that position just yet, whiffing at the top of the market changes things. But at least there is still time to plug some holes.
