How the Chicago Bears offseason could go if they trade for a 3-tech before the draft
Let's say as suggested in my previous article that the Chicago Bears can acquire DeForest Buckner or another veteran 3-technique defensive lineman (3T) in a trade. This sets the Bears up nicely in the next wave of free agency and then in the 2023 NFL Draft.
They need another pass rusher. Presumably, Ryan Poles has not already signed a free-agent pass rusher because he is waiting to see if one like Carl Lawson will become available as a late-cut salary cap casualty. There are rumors the Jets might cut Lawson. The logic behind this possibility is that if the Jets finally get Aaron Rodgers they will need to find some cap space to fit him into their salary cap. Cutting Carl Lawson would save the Jets $15 million in 2023. This makes him a possible target for the Bears.
I focus on Carl Lawson because he likely is a good enough run defender and a good pass rusher, which seems to make him unique among the remaining pass rushers in free agency. On January 21, 2023, Pro Football Network published a piece listing the top 32 edge rushers in the NFL. Carl Lawson was listed at 32. However, none of the pass rushers still available in free agency made this list.
It would be best for the Chicago Bears to add at least one good free-agent pass rusher to their defensive line. Carl Lawson is not necessarily a tremendous defensive end but he has talent and is a baller who would fit nicely into Eberflus' HITS principles. Given the big picture of the Bears, it seems quite likely that they will sign a defensive end before or maybe even after the draft.
If the Bears can sign a free agent DE and add a 3T in a trade yet still keep the 61st and 64th picks, the Bears are set up to do this. They are likely to use the 61st pick to add yet another pass rusher to the mix. In adding a good pass rusher by free agency, it is possible they only sign this player for one or two years. That could set up a rookie DE to adjust to life in the NFL in 2023, then shine in 2024.