The Chicago Bears must consider these three free agent offensive linemen

Some Chicago Bears fans may not know how they feel about new general manager Ryan Poles just yet, and that’s perfectly OK. But, the one thing they should take away from his background has absolutely nothing to do with scouting Patrick Mahomes.

It has nothing to do with coming from an outstanding and successful organization like the Kansas City Chiefs or finding tons of talent there over the past few years.

Poles is a former offensive lineman. That, above all else, should be extremely telling about what kind of general manager the Bears just hired.

Knowing that bit of information, fans can expect one thing and one thing only from the get-go: Poles is going to focus on protecting quarterback Justin Fields in his first offseason, above all else.

Free agency will offer Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears some very strong names across the offensive line

Within the first few days of getting hired, Poles told The Athletic (paywall) a few bits about his feelings regarding seeing Fields get hit last year. In short, Poles was not happy that the Bears’ offensive linemen hardly went over to check on their quarterback following a hit.

The only standout moment, when it comes to that type of thing, was Teven Jenkins getting into it with a defensive lineman after Fields took quite the lick. Jenkins was of course flagged, and Germain Ifedi gave him an earful. The point is, Jenkins, stuck up for his quarterback.

That likely didn’t sit well with Poles. As a former lineman, this is a guy who wants to see his players stick up for their quarterback.

It’s time the Bears go out and find much better help on the interior of their line, and free agency would be the route to go for at least one — followed by potentially finding another starter in the draft.

The following three guards are some of the top names on the market this year, and Poles should be looking long and hard at signing one of them.