The ushering in of a new era has begun for the Chicago Bears as they've got themselves a new head coach, and surprisingly, it was the one everybody else wanted.
Ben Johnson is now the coach in Chicago and comes into a great situation with a franchise quarterback like Caleb Williams. It isn't hard to see why this job was more attractive than the other openings. Williams changes everything for Johnson's outlook.
But, there is work to do for Johnson and the front office. General manager Ryan Poles enters Year 4 and must make significant improvements in one specific area above all else.
Johnson is not going to allow for the Bears not to fix the offensive line. But, what other pieces could Chicago add when free agency opens up? There are some decent options at key positions, but three players in particular make a lot of sense for Johnson and the Bears to pursue.
Bears should sign a few key free agents to help boost the Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson connection
Will Fries, G, Indianapolis Colts
The Bears' offensive line is going to look much different in the coming months, and that could start by signing Will Fries to start on the interior. The Colts free agent guard fractured his tibia in Week 5 this past season and missed the remainder of the year.
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But, he was having a stellar season until that point. He especially excelled in run blocking, but overall he had earned a strong 86.9 grade from Pro Football Focus. Take that for what you will, but the 26-year-old would be an easy, Day 1 starter for the Bears if signed.
Marquise Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
A lot of the splash plays you saw from the Lions this year came by way of wide receiver Jameson Williams and his electric speed. After missing almost the entire season in his first year with the Chiefs, Marquise Brown is now healthy and playing in the postseason. But, he was only signed to a one-year deal.
Brown's speed is exactly what Johnson could utilize similar to how he did with Williams in Detroit. He'd be a great third option behind D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, offering the Bears big play potential on any given touch.
Brandon Scherff, G, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Bears will likely need two starting guards with Teven Jenkins hitting free agency, and although Brandon Scherff isn't necessarily an All Pro level at this point, he's still a very good starting guard and excellent in pass protection. The Bears could choose one of Scherff or Fries, for example, and then find another starter by way of the draft.