The Chicago Bears must secure the signing of one of these two defensive players.
As of writing this article, notable defensive linemen such as Jonathon Greenard, Z'Darious Smith, Brian Burns, Christian Wilkins, and Chris Jones have already found new homes, leaving teams eager to capitalize on the remaining talent in free agency. The Chicago Bears must act swiftly to address their defensive needs, particularly at the edge and interior positions, with two compelling candidates emerging as ideal fits for the team.
Candidate One: Arik Armstead
Arik Armstead has showcased his prowess as an interior pass rusher throughout his tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. Despite being rewarded with a lucrative 5-year, $85 million contract in 2020, the 49ers intend to release him due to his cap hit of $17.41 million, which Armstead has refused to restructure. Despite not matching his double-digit sack performance from 2019-2020, Armstead remains a formidable presence in the middle, tallying five sacks, four tackles for loss, and thirteen quarterback hits in twelve games last season. His versatility across multiple positions on the defensive line makes him an invaluable asset, especially in mentoring rising talent like Gervon Dexter Sr. Although Armstead is currently 30 years old, recent signings by the Bears, such as Kevin Byard, suggest a shift towards valuing veteran defenders. A short-term deal spanning two or three years could position Armstead as the missing piece in the Bears' defensive puzzle, pending the 49ers' decision on a post-June 1 release.
Candidate Two: DJ Reader
DJ Reader has quietly established himself as one of the NFL's most consistent defensive linemen, boasting several impressive seasons with the Houston Texans before becoming the highest-paid nose tackle in the league with the Cincinnati Bengals. Now set to hit free agency, Reader's market value is estimated around $45 million over three years. Despite recovering from a torn quadriceps injury last season and nearing 30 years old in July, Reader's track record of productivity makes him an enticing prospect. Known for his proficiency in run defense, Reader's complementary skill set alongside Gervon Dexter could provide the Bears with a balanced interior presence. While he may not offer the same pass-rushing prowess as Armstead, Reader's reliability in anchoring the defensive line adds significant value to any team.
With the defensive interior market rapidly diminishing, the Bears must act decisively to fortify their trenches. While high-profile options like Chris Jones or Christian Wilkins remain elusive, the likes of Arik Armstead and DJ Reader offer viable alternatives that could address Chicago's pressing defensive needs at a potentially more manageable cost.
| POLL | ||
12 MARS | 113 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears must secure the signing of one of these two defensive players. Which one would you like for the Bears to sign the most? | ||
| Arik Armstead | 76 | 67.3 % |
| DJ Reader | 37 | 32.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
