3 moves the Chicago Bears must make after the first wave of free agency

There are winners, and there are losers in NFL free agency. The Chicago Bears are winners. Still, there are a few moves they must make to compete.

At the start of the 2023 NFL offseason, there were questions about whether or not the Chicago Bears wanted to move forward with Justin Fields. After trading out of the first overall slot with the Carolina Panthers, General Manager Ryan Poles put the questions to rest. Justin Fields will have a chance to prove he’s the franchise quarterback. In the trade with the Panthers, DJ Moore became the No. 1 wideout for the Bears on an offense with Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney. Cole Kmet is holding down the tight end spot, a solid option for the young quarterback.

Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears getting after it early in 2023 NFL Free Agency

Poles took the free agency and tossed the money bag at a few players. On the defensive side of the ball, they signed Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million deal. The 6’5, 250-pound 24-year-old two-time Pro Bowler was one of the youngest unrestricted free agents. The former Bills linebacker is an ideal fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. Edmunds will play a similar role as Colt linebacker Darius Leonard did when Eberflus coached the position. Meanwhile, T.J. Edwards will play the Anthony Walker role as a downhill take-on backer on the weak side. They signed him to three years, $19.5 million, $7.9 million guaranteed to keep Edmunds clean.

Nate Davis was another free agent signing to protect Justin Fields. Poles signed the former Titans guard for three years, $30 million, $17.5 guaranteed, and should open up running lanes for whoever plays running back. All the pieces seem to fit on paper, but Poles and the Falcons aren’t done yet.

Aaron Rodgers won’t be the Packers’ quarterback, giving them an easier path to the playoffs. It won’t happen with a few signing on Day 1 of free agency. They will need to do more work.