11 free agent targets who could boost Bears offense, if they hit the market

11 free agent targets who could boost Bears offense, if they hit the market originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The talk of the town remains whether the Bears should draft a quarterback like Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick this April, or keep Justin Fields and trade the No. 1 pick for a second year in a row.

But before the Bears turn in their card on draft night, they’ll begin their free agency negotiations. And with a projected $50 million to spend and plenty of holes to fill on the roster, there’s a good chance they’ll be active when the market opens.

Last week we went over some defensive players who could be on GM Ryan Poles’ wishlist, if they don’t sign extensions or get tagged by their respective teams. Now let’s take a look at the offensive side of the ball.

NICK ALLEGRETTI – CHIEFS BACKUP INTERIOR LINEMAN

Not every free agent signing has to be a big splash to make a big impact for a team. Allegretti might not hit the market, since he’s proven his worth to the Chiefs as the next man up on their interior OL, but if he does he could help the Bears. Injuries happen on the OL. Starters Teven Jenkins, Nate Jones and Lucas Patrick all missed time due to injury and the Bears backups weren’t always up to snuff. Ja’Tyre Carter has yet to develop into a convincing option after the Bears selected him with a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, and the Bears will need to replace what Cody Whitehair brought to the team as a versatile, reliable player.

Allegretti proved he’s a warrior by playing through a torn UCL in the Super Bowl. He’s also a Certified Local Guy from Frankfort, and we know Poles loves bringing in Local Guys.

MARQUISE “HOLLYWOOD” BROWN – CARDINALS WIDE RECEIVER

Brown hasn’t been in the spotlight as much as one would expect for a player who goes by Hollywood, but if the Bears draft a promising rookie and don’t re-sign Darnell Mooney, he could be a solid veteran to add to the mix.

Brown is a former first-round draft…


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Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-02-21 00:40:10

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