3 Free agents the Chicago Bears should avoid this offseason

Chicago Bears would be paying for name value with Orlando Brown Jr.

Orlando Brown Jr. might not see the open market, as he is reportedly a strong candidate to be franchise tagged by Kansas City for the second straight season. However, if he does, the Bears should still opt to go in another direction.

Unlike Clowney, the issue with Brown is not his play on the field (well, not directly). He is a fine tackle who was good enough to be tasked with protecting the blindside of the league's best player in Patrick Mahomes. Nevertheless, he has struggled to stay consistent since Kansas City traded a boatload of draft picks for his services two offseasons ago.

When Brown is on, he doesn't allow anyone to come within five yards of Mahomes. Unfortunately, he also goes through valleys where he gets dominated by opposing defensive linemen. Considering his entire body of work, he would probably be considered a slightly above-average left tackle. However, due to the importance of the position, those types of players often break the bank in free agency, and the 26-year-old will be no different.

Brown finished with a 75.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which is tied for 19th amongst offensive tackles with... Braxton Jones. If they decide to upgrade the position, they should sign someone who would be an actual upgrade, especially when they are bound to pay him like one of the premier tackles in the league. Brown will be good wherever he ends up, but he will struggle to live up to his contract if he doesn't become more consistent on a down-to-down basis.