Breaking News: Former Chicago Bears, Greg Gabriel Exec Reveals Two Free Agents They Will Pursue
Before delving into draft discussions, the Chicago Bears must navigate through free agency. General Manager Ryan Poles will have ample cap space at his disposal should he choose to make some moves. However, the team’s level of aggressiveness remains uncertain. Poles has expressed a preference for building through the draft, suggesting a reluctance to make big splashes in the market this year. Instead, the focus is expected to be on retaining key players like Jaylon Johnson. Nevertheless, it’s probable that the Bears will make strategic acquisitions to improve certain positions.
Greg Gabriel, who previously worked with the Bears organization, predicts that the center position will receive significant attention in free agency, rather than wide receiver or pass rusher. This is based on his conversations with Poles and his assessments. The Bears cannot afford another season with Cody Whitehair or Lucas Patrick at center and need to seek an upgrade. Gabriel has identified two potential targets in the market who align with the team’s new scheme and have connections to the coaching staff.
“MIAMI’S CONNOR WILLIAMS IS CONSIDERED THE TOP CENTER AVAILABLE, HOWEVER, THE BEARS ARE UNLIKELY TO PURSUE HIM DUE TO HIS ACL INJURY, WHICH WILL LIKELY KEEP HIM OUT UNTIL LATE INTO THE 2024 SEASON, IF NOT LONGER. ALTERNATIVELY, THE BEARS MAY TARGET SEATTLE’S EVAN BROWN AND TENNESSEE’S AARON BREWER. BOTH HAVE CONNECTIONS TO THE BEARS’ COACHING STAFF AND WOULD FIT WELL INTO THEIR OFFENSIVE SCHEME.
BROWN, WHO PLAYED UNDER THE BEARS’ NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR LAST SEASON, HAS BEEN A STARTER IN THE LEAGUE FOR THREE YEARS AND OFFERS A LARGE PHYSICAL PRESENCE AT NEARLY 320 POUNDS. MEANWHILE, BREWER HAS EXPERIENCE IN A SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THE BEARS’ AND HAS A CONNECTION TO THE BEARS’ NEW ASSISTANT OFFENSIVE LINE COACH, JASON HOUGHTALING, FROM HIS TIME IN TENNESSEE. ADDITIONALLY, BREWER HAS PLAYED ALONGSIDE BEARS GUARD NATE DAVIS FOR THREE SEASONS, CREATING A LEVEL OF FAMILIARITY BETWEEN THEM.”
The Chicago Bears’ move will come down to price and preference.
Brewer and Brown possess contrasting skill sets. Brewer has excelled as a run blocker during his time in Tennessee, earning praise for his mobility, strength, and aggressiveness, traits highly sought after by the Bears for their blocking unit. However, his performance in pass protection has been less impressive, with a notable tendency to allow sacks, hits, and pressures on the quarterback.
On the other hand, Brown has established himself as a proficient pass blocker over the past three years with Detroit and Seattle, demonstrating reliability in protecting the quarterback. Despite facing challenges due to team injuries, he maintained a solid record in pass protection. However, Brown’s proficiency in run blocking has been considered somewhat lacking, particularly evident in his lower grade from last season.
For the Bears, the decision between Brewer and Brown hinges on their priority: bolstering pass protection or maintaining a strong running game. Given the likely arrival of a rookie quarterback, prioritizing pass protection may be the more prudent choice.