The Chicago Bears saw plenty of good things this week in the Hall of Fame game. Their depth at wide receiver looks strong. It is the same at running back, tight end, in the second, and at linebacker. Best of all, they may have legitimate depth at quarterback. Tyson Bagent is already a proven backup, and Brett Rypien threw three touchdowns. However, not everything went right on the evening. It was still evident the Bears have lingering concerns with their pass rusher. They struggled to reach the Texans quarterbacks all night.
One would think GM Ryan Poles might consider dabbling in the edge market at some point later this month. That might not be the only area, though. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, there is a growing likelihood the Bears will seek some help along the interior of their offensive line. This comes from the continued absence of right guard Nate Davis and the lack of stability they’ve been able to find at two of the three positions inside. Unless the veteran returns soon, a corresponding move will follow.
I always come away from a camp thinking differently about some aspect of the team than I did going in, and one of my takeaways from Bears camp is that I’m wondering if they have enough on the lines. The offensive line is still missing guard Nate Davis, who hasn’t delivered much at all since the team signed him to a three-year, $30 million contract in the spring of 2023, and as a result the Bears have had to shuffle guys around on the interior this camp. Watch for the team to probe the market a bit if and when a center or guard becomes available as cuts come in.
Both Bill Murray and Jerome Carvin performed well in the preseason opener. Neither allowed a pressure on the quarterback despite playing more snaps than any lineman in the game. Head coach Matt Eberflus has singled Murray out as somebody who’s looked great in practice. That is something to watch. Still, if they’re angling for somebody with more experience, there are a few options on the market. Connor Williams is the best available, having been one of the league’s best centers before a knee injury ended his 2023 season. Mason Cole, Gabe Jackson, and Trai Turner are also some names worth noting.
If that isn’t the preferred approach, the Chicago Bears would likely wait until the end of August when teams start making their final cuts. It is reasonable to assume at least one or two notable offensive linemen will become available. Chicago sits 9th in the waiver wire order, giving them a decent chance of landing somebody they want. Everything depends on how things shake out over the next two weeks. Maybe Davis gets healthy. Maybe somebody else steps up. Otherwise, there could be some late action on the roster.
