And just like that, the Chicago Bears’ offseason is off and running.
On Friday, in the front office alone, Chicago promoted Matt Feinstein to vice president of football administration and learned Ian Cunningham would be sticking around for at least one more rodeo after the Jaguars passed on the assistant general manager for their GM vacancy.
Then, the team got a head start on their cap savings before free agency, releasing tight end Gerald Everett and defensive end DeMarcus Walker. The cuts moved the Bears up to fourth-most in cap space with a projected $74.7 million.
Before we get into the weeds of the offseason—next week’s NFL Scouting Combine followed quickly by free agency, then the draft and suddenly, workouts—I thought I’d answer some lingering questions about what we can expect from Ryan Poles, Ben Johnson and company.
Thanks to everybody who submitted questions for this week’s Bears Mailbag!
How do we know Trey Smith fits into Ben Johnson’s scheme?
The reality is that we don’t really know and we won’t until the Bears actually pursue his services in free agency. But you have to think that a 6-foot-6, 320 lb interior lineman with the skillset that Smith possesses fits just about any scheme.
His run-blocking is next level (ranked No. 10 by PFF), which is not only a major aspect the Bears were missing last season, but also something that’s been a focal point in Johnson’s offenses.
His pass protection has raised some valid concerns, but nothing so glaring that screams ‘red flag’. I still assume the Bears will show significant interest, especially with the ability to go above and beyond, thanks to their cap space, but there’s almost certainly a bidding war on deck for the two-time Super Bowl champion’s services.
This leads to the next question…
If Trey Smith doesn’t make it to free agency, who will the Bears sign?
Thanks to Scott M. for the question!
I think we’ve reached a level of certainty that Smith is heading to free agency and will not receive the franchise tag from the Chiefs. Now, if Travis Kelce announces his retirement before the tag deadline next week, that could change things. But assuming the superstar tight end doesn’t hang ’em up, Smith should hit the free-agent pool.
The bigger worry should instead be: what if the Bears are outbid?
Mekhi Becton makes sense as a likely ‘within-reason’ candidate. But he’s also somebody who has a lot more bad tape than good at the pro level.
Luckily for Becton, most of his good film is from last year, but that might work against him and scare off potential suitors. Why? I think Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland could turn me into an All-Pro caliber player on the line.
I’m not opposed to seeking an older veteran as long as there’s a plan to replace them down the road, either. Brandon Scherff and Kevin Zeitler fit that mold.
The point is, there are good options around; it’s just a matter of whether or not Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson can find them.