Chicago Bears: 5 free agents who would instantly improve the roster

Not long ago, I wrote about four moves Ryan Pace must make in order to turn this Chicago Bears roster into a playoff contender. The Bears are currently a middle-of-the-road team in my opinion, unless Justin Fields proves himself and becomes the quarterback I believe him to be earlier than expected. The likelihood of that happening is pretty slim. Instead, this will probably be a season of ups, downs and ‘what the bleep are you thinking’ moments.

When I look at this roster and the players who are still available in free agency, I have a hard time believing Ryan Pace is done. I see some names of veterans who would step in and instantly improve this roster in a way that the team could actually become a playoff favorite or at least contender.

Many holes exist on this team, but there are enough guys who could fill those voids. The defensive side of the ball was the bread and butter of this team, but it appears there could be a shift to the offense in the works.

Ryan Pace and the Bears drafted seven players in the 2021 NFL Draft. They traded up in the first round for Justin Fields. Then they moved up again for offensive lineman Teven Jenkins. The next three picks were also offensive players — Larry Borom, OL, Khalil Herbert, RB and Dazz Newsom, WR. Finally, Pace selected two defensive players with his last two picks in the draft — Thomas Graham, Jr., CB and Khyiris Tonga, DL.

Now, before we get into the five names, please, read this part. I am not saying the Chicago Bears should sign all five. The team has very little salary cap room and that is not going to happen. There are ways to free up money though. Extending Allen Robinson and/or Akiem Hicks is one way. Cutting more players (Akiem Hicks, Anthony Miller, Jimmy Graham, etc.) is another way. The point is, there are ways to sign one or two of these veterans.