The Chicago Bears have a defensive problem. Rinse. Repeat.
It will be another off-season focused on the guy behind the center and for a bear team that is almost maximum relative to the salary cap and has a choice in the first round – number 20 in general – that rarely produces a top defender, options to fix the most important position of the game seem limited.
However, there will be some options, including free agents on the open market in March.
Here is the list of the first defenders who are scheduled to become free agents. Remember: some of these guys will be franchised or signed to a long-term deal before the free agency bell goes off, so don’t raise your hopes.
Level 1:
That Prescott, Cowboys
Note: Do not expect Prescott to enter the open market. It will be paid for by Dallas. If the Cowboys are stupid enough to let him go, the Bears should throw themselves.