Best available defensive linemen for the Bears in 2024 free agency
By Ryan Heckman
Christian Wilkins, DT
Finally, maybe the biggest potential 'get' for the Bears up front would be landing Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. The Dolphins are in a tough spot cap-wise and may not be able to bring him back. He is going to have a very, very strong market, too.
Wilkins is another example of an interior lineman with the ability to rush the passer at a high level. Last season, he ended up with 9.0 sacks, doubling his previous career-high. Wilkins also totaled 58 quarterback pressures, per PFF.
At the moment, if I were Ryan Poles, Wilkins might be my top free agent priority. Simply adding him to the fold makes this defensive line exponentially better, and even if the Bears didn't go sign a top-tier pass rusher, they could still add a Tier 2 type of guy or draft one of the top rookies at pick no. 9 overall. The Bears have a chance to put together a real special group up front, this offseason. It's just up to Poles as to whether or not it happens.
Other notable free agent defensive linemen: DT Grover Stewart, DT D.J. Reader, EDGE Bryce Huff, EDGE Za'Darius Smith, DE A.J. Epenesa
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