As Ryan Poles embark on his first full offseason, we will look back on his first run as the General Manager last year. He was hired just around this time, so while the last year has been a whirlwind, he has made enough decisions to start to get an idea of what he will bring to the Chicago Bears.
Ryan Poles did not make many splash free agency moves, and to be honest, he could not because of the lack of resources. Still, he did make ten signings that ended up impacting the team’s season. How did these contracts work out, and should they give us hope for the future?
10. Five Chicago Bears signings under $1M
These are sort of the honorable mention signing before we get into the real deals that Ryan Poles dished out. Still, Ryan Poles signed Dante Pettis, Michael Schofield, Khari Blasingame, Tavon Young, and Dakota Dozier to deals all worth under $1M.
In the case of Dozier and Young, injuries have to be noted because Poles likely wanted both to make the team. Still, with Dozier healthy, we probably do not see Schofield anyways, so they are a bit of a package.
With Tavon Young, perhaps it would have been better if he were healthy, Kyler Gordon stayed outside, and Young took the slot. Would Gordon have adjusted to the NFL a bit better? Was this a part of the plan for Ryan Poles?
Schofield and Dozier were reasonable signings, highlighted by the injuries on the line. Lucas Patrick, Cody Whitehair, and Teven Jenkins all missed extended time, so having that veteran depth was useful.
The same can be said for Pettis, who was a touch over $1M. It is not like Poles wanted this to happen when he signed him, but Pettis led the receiving corps in snaps played. If anything, he was able to give them snaps, and that is not what Ryan Poles can say about others. With that said, both Schofield and Pettis were quality signings, even knowing what they brought this season.
Under $1M deals Grade: B+