5 aging defensive free agents the Chicago Bears could sign

When free agency kicks off next week, don’t expect the Chicago Bears to start out by making any splashes during the first wave. In fact, just the opposite may happen.

The Bears could end up — wait for it — waiting.

It isn’t the sexy thing to do, but new general manager Ryan Poles has made it pretty evident that he isn’t going to spend big during the first wave of free agency. Instead, he’s going to allow other teams to pay the big bucks for many of the notable names while he stands pat and saves the cash.

Then, when the second wave hits and all of the other teams have spent most of their money, Poles will swoop in and go to work — it’s actually a brilliant idea that could land a good quantity of quality players.

During the second wave of free agency, the Chicago Bears could find some aging defenders worth pursuing

Part of the second wave of free agency will be many players who are either on the wrong side of 30 years old, or they are close to getting there.

That’s typically the age where most players are done getting their big money, and instead, look for ways to prolong their career while making a decent amount of dough.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears definitely have some holes to fill. Poles could look to some of the older veterans not only for leadership but for good, honest work.

Five defensive free agents, in particular, fit this mold. The Bears would be wise to take a long look at these guys when it comes to spending wisely and still finding value.