If nothing else. the week of the NFL Scouting Combine provides some form of clarity for the offseason. The Chicago Bears have been no stranger to that fact. Over the last two years, it was at the combine where the Bears first decided they were giving Justin Fields an additional year to try and be the answer at the quarterback position, then, last offseason, it was at the combine where it became clear the Bears were moving on from Fields in favor of Caleb Williams.
There was no quarterback drama for the Bears this year at the combine, but protecting Williams has been the theme of the week. Many Bears fans had already earmarked Trey Smith as the big addition to the Bears' offseason, but those plans have dramatically changed after Thursday's development. Not only did the Kansas City Chiefs decide to place the franchise tag on Smith, but they plan on working out a long-term deal with the star offensive guard this offseason.
In the aftermath of Smith's return to the Chiefs, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was quick to lay the blueprint of the offseason for the Bears. The biggest takeaway is that the Bears may be planning to make Atlanta Falcons free agent center Drew Dalman their priority. While pointing out that the Falcons may not have the cap space to re-sign Dalman, Biggs mentions that the reason the Bears have the veteran circle as their top target is to stabilize the revolving door the team has had at the center position over the last couple of seasons. Adam Hoge of CHGO shared similar sentiments that Dalman is now the primary target of the offseason.
What the Chicago Bears free agency plans may look like?
Beyond Dalman, Biggs continued to push the Bears as the suitor for Detroit Lions' free agent wide receiver Tim Patrick. Assuming health, Patrick would have an expanded role in the Bears' offense than what he had with the Lions, and would be an ideal replacement for Keenan Allen. As for guard, after missing on the chance to sign Smith, Biggs gives Aaron Banks a mention.
A free agency period where the Bears add Dalman, Patrick, and a guard like Banks would create added flexibility for the team in the draft. The Bears would still need to add another guard, and there would be options in the draft. The Bears could also take a swing at can't-miss offensive tackle prospect such as Will Campbell.
Sure, there is some disappointment that Smith won't be wearing a Bears' uniform next offseason but there remains a clear path for how the Bears can have substantial upgrades to their roster.