4 reasons the Chicago Bears should stay away from this potential free agent
By Dakota Wayne
Reason No. 2: Danielle Hunter's market value is far too high
As the Chicago Bears have learned with Roquan Smith and Khalil Mack, Ryan Poles doesn't hand contracts to anyone. Big contracts for older players aren't something the Bears have done under Poles, and that doesn't seem likely to end this season.
While a minimal factor, injury history is clearly something Ryan Poles pays attention to, and Hunter's torn pec in 2021 is definitely something being monitored before making a decision on signing him.
Per Spotrac, Danielle Hunter's projected market value is at $20 million AAV, with a projected three-year deal worth $60,114,213. This would make him a top 10 highest-paid OLB in the league at No. 7 between Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. With Montez Sweat as the No. 3 highest-paid OLB in the league, it doesn't make sense for Poles to double-dip in this area.
Considering who the Chiefs were able to win Super Bowl LVIII with, as well as Ryan Poles' involvement with the Chiefs prior to the Bears, double-dipping at one position doesn't seem like a move the Bears would do.
If the Chicago Bears were to do this, the Bears would be paying $64.5 million for two positions on the defensive line. It'd be a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it'll pay off for 'em.