Chicago Bears Free Agency 2023: 3 Defensive tackles to target

Greg Gaines, Los Angeles Rams

Despite having the fattest wallet in the NFL entering free agency, the Chicago Bears still have to be prudent with their money. They cannot afford to enter a bidding war on every free agent they want.

Poles has to find a good deal. Greg Gaines could be a great under-the-radar signing.

Gaines has a knack for finding the football. In 2022, he recorded 36 tackles and 4 sacks. In his four seasons in the league (covering 59 games), he has 122 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Gaines was a key member of the Los Angeles Rams defense that helped win the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. That defense ranked ninth in points allowed and fifth in rushing yards allowed.

Spotrac has Gaines’ market value at $7.7 million per season. That is a bargain considering some of the other tackles will command much more. Additionally, he is still young at 25. He can fit in well with the infusion of youth Poles likely adds.

The Rams are in a difficult situation with the salary cap. They are currently $15.7 million over the salary cap so they have to make some big cuts just to get down to the cap max. That means Gaines is likely to be available as a free agent.