After missing out on Maxx Crosby in a trade, the Chicago Bears fan base is wondering what general manager Ryan Poles' plan is with the defensive line.
Last season, this is a unit that was one of the worst in the NFL in sacks as the Bears had 35 as a team with Montez Sweat carrying the load at 10. ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler gave Bears fans some insights into what the team is thinking and what direction they could be going with the defensive line.
"Yes, they could use pass-rush help. But I don't sense Chicago is desperate for a splashy pass rusher. Much will depend on price. Interior rush help could be the way to go."
Bears expected to be conservative at edge rusher
This is a disappointing development as Bears fans were hoping to go all-in on an edge rusher and give themselves a solid pass rush. It shouldn't be all that surprising, at the same time, as the Bears are more focused on creating cap space and signing multiple good players to smaller deals to create better depth.
While fans might have wanted them to target guys like Trey Hendrickson and Jaelan Phillips, they don't seem to be in the conversation for either guy. Chicago could place more emphasis on spending $5-10 million per year on multiple players.
The Bears also have draft capital to build up, as they now have two second-round picks to use after trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Chicago could use those picks to select an edge rusher in a very deep position group and a wide receiver from a fast class.
As for the interior defensive line, Grady Jarrett is getting nearly $50 million on his contract, and the Bears are getting calls about Gervon Dexter for a potential trade. The Bears would be wise to keep Dexter after his six sacks last year, and add a tackle either cheaply in free agency or the first two days of the draft as well.
Read more: Jeremy Fowler's Maxx Crosby report confirms what will frustrate Bears fans
Bears fans have to put their trust in Poles that he knows what he is doing with the team, but something has to be done this week about adding talent off the edge and at defensive tackle if they want to stay in the conversation for a Super Bowl.