How the Chicago Bears can rebuild the trenches this offseason
This Sunday’s Super Bowl could also be an opportunity to scout potential free-agent offensive linemen from both teams. Given their massive cap space, it would make sense to lean on signing more experienced players to solidify the offensive line that gave up 55 sacks this past season rather than relying on rookies to protect Justin Fields in 2023.
For the Chiefs, LT Orlando Brown and RT Andrew Wylie are the notable free agents. Ryan Poles should have a good idea if either player is worth pursuing. Wylie gave up 9 sacks this season, so that might be a cause for concern. And Brown will no doubt cost around $20 million, and the Bears must decide if the contract is worth shelling out.
The Eagles RG Issac Seumalo and backup tackle Andre Dillard, a former first-round pick, are intriguing options for the Bears. Poles can lean on Ian Cunningham for his opinions on both players. Seumalo, 29, had a great 2022 season, so he won’t come cheap. Since Tevin Jenkins plays RG, can Seumalo move to LG and replace Cody Whitehair? And after losing his position to ex-rugby player Jordan Mailata, is Dillard still capable of starting in the NFL?
For Chicago Bears fans, keeping an eye out on how each of them performs this Sunday is more reason to watch the game. For Poles and Cunningham, this game could go a long way toward determining whether they are members of the Chicago Bears in 2023.