The Chicago Bears were some of the biggest spenders in NFL free agency and they are not done yet. When you look at their roster, it is hard to say that they could be. They have a handful of picks, but have not come close to filling all of their holes, and will have needs post-draft, the roster was that bad.
Will Chicago Bears continue signings in free agency?
Matt Eberflus admitted as much and said that he still thinks the team can add a veteran defensive lineman.
-Eberflus on adding veteran D-linemen in UFA: "That's certainly one avenue we can take." He mentioned how the Colts signed Justin Houston mid March in 2019 after 1st wave of free agency. Believes post draft could be a good spot to add.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 28, 2023
The last part is important to mention. Eberflus thinks the team will do a lot of adding after the draft. This makes sense because the best free agents do not want to sign now. Why sign for a team and then see them draft your replacement? Wait until after the draft and sign with a team that needs you. That team could be the Chicago Bears.
There are some good names to keep in mind on the defensive line, but two things should be noted. First, if the draft dictates things, it could be interior or edge rushers being added. If the draft ends up edge-heavy, they will have to add an interior rusher in free agency, and vice versa.
Beyond that, if he is talking about Justin Houston, he may be talking about a veteran name that is still out there but has a lot of respect in the locker room. The Chicago Bears have skewed younger in free agency, but if they add a couple of edge rushers, a Justin Houston type would be a great leader and mentor. This still does not sound like Yannick, Ngaukue, though.
The Chicago Bears continue to make it sound like they will add a tackle with the ninth pick. With that in mind, defensive line will be the biggest need. It is no surprise that this is the next position that will be addressed, even if that is after they draft a few defensive lineman.