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4 Free Agent DL connected to Chicago Bears coaching staff

By Parker Hurley

Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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3. Could Chicago Bears get the most out of Solomon Thomas

The Chicago Bears’ new defensive line coach Travis Smith has been with the Las Vegas Raiders since 2012 and the most recent stint was working under Rod Marinelli. Matt Eberflus spent time with Marinelli in Dallas.

Solomon Thomas only spent one season in Las Vegas, so his ties to Eberflus are only through Smith and Marinelli. Still, these two may vouch for Thomas, and Thomas may be wise to stick with Travis Smith.

Chicago Bears fans will always remember Thomas as the player that the 49ers swapped picks with when the team drafted Mitch Trubisky. For as much ill-will as the Bears get for Trubisky, the 49ers missed on Thomas too. 

Then, in 2021 Thomas signed with the Raiders and just so happened to have the best year of his career. The big thing was that Thomas spent much more of his snaps inside over guards and near the center and spent far less time near the tackles.

This is good for the Bears who have edge rushers and do not have interior rushers. This is also good for them because Thomas is an athletic marvel and if his upside is tapped, he could be a gap shooting stud in the interior. He also may think his best chance to see that recognized is to spend more time with Travis Smith. This could bring in Thomas at a strong value.

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