Chicago Bears Doing “A Ton Of Work” On Pro Bowl DT

The Chicago Bears are getting most of their attention because they hold the #1 overall pick. Expectations are they will trade at some point soon. However, before they get to the draft, they must work to improve their roster through free agency. GM Ryan Poles has over $94 million in cap space. This team needs a ton of help. While he is not expected to go on a shopping spree, there is a strong belief Poles will seek one or two upper-tier veterans to give his team a boost. Who they will be is the obvious question.

Few are better at giving inside tidbits on the Bears than Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog. He had plenty to say about their free agency plans on the Irish Bears Show on Wednesday. The belief is Poles will try to land one of the top right tackles on the market, seeing that position as one of the biggest weaknesses on their roster. There is also a disagreement between the GM and head coach Matt Eberflus about the idea of signing linebacker Bobby Okereke. Eberflus wants him. Poles doesn’t.

However, the two are in sync on another player. One that they think is exactly what the team is missing.

Chicago Bears are a natural fit for Javon Hargrave.

The Pro Bowler has been one of the most dominant interior pass rushers for the past two seasons, with 18.5 sacks and 34 quarterback hits. The three-technique defensive tackles drive Eberflus’ defense. They are the ones who are supposed to generate interior pass rush. Justin Jones was supposed to fill that void after the Larry Ogunjobi signing fell through. It didn’t go well. The entire defensive line had 10.5 sacks last season. Hargrave had 11.5 by himself. From a talent standpoint, this is a no-brainer.

Also, don’t forget assistant GM Ian Cunningham played a central role in signing him to the Eagles a few years ago. There is an obvious connection there.

There is one concern. He turned 30 years old in February. Everybody knows it’s right around this time when many NFL players start to decline. Throwing big money at them is often a losing proposition. There are exceptions. Calaise Campbell had the best stretch of his career in his early 30s. Cameron Heyward is 33 and had 20.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Warren Sapp had ten sacks at age 34. If he stays healthy, Hargrave can remain a major force in the middle for at least the next two or three years. Expect the Chicago Bears to look for a contract around that length.