The only huge signing, as it stands, is defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi — who fits this new 4-3 defense perfectly as the 3-technique. Ogunjobi agreed to a 3-year deal worth $40.5 million, making him the 9th highest-paid defensive tackle in football.
But, while other teams continue to spend, Poles has been cool, calm and collected while allowing his peers to empty their checkbooks. And, when looking at the grand scheme of things, Poles just might be onto something.
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles could be onto something many fans aren’t thinking about during NFL free agency.
It’s been obvious that Poles is being patient. He’s went on record with his purpose during this week, and that’s to stick to his price point. He will not overpay for a player if their price tag is higher than what he has them valued.
For once, it’s refreshing to hear such transparency. The Bears are going to be set up nicely for free agency in 2023 (roughly $140 million in cap space before 2022 free agency began). But, Poles could be thinking even deeper. NFL insider Benjamin Allbright brings up a great point about Poles’ possible mindset in his first year.
Bears are in the middle of a rip and strip rebuild. They know Rodgers probably has stranglehold on division in Poles’ first year.
Build the trenches and use the rest on short deals that’ll add to the compensatory formula down the line. https://t.co/jGfGtJZ53z
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 13, 2022
As a former lineman himself, Poles is definitely going to build the trenches. That has to be priority on both sides of the football, not just on offense.
But, when it comes to other positions, he very well could stick to those short-term deals that would result in the Bears getting awarded several compensatory picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
That, folks, is forward thinking.
Poles has understood, from the beginning, that the Bears are not set up to compete in 2022. This roster needed an overhaul, and he needed additional capital, thus he traded Khalil Mack to the Los Angeles Chargers.