Chicago Bears Get Terrific News On Their Rumored Free Agent Target

The Chicago Bears might be focused on the NFL draft, but people are glossing over the reality that they also have the third-most salary cap space of any team in the league. That means GM Ryan Poles is free to do some spending to upgrade his roster in free agency. Whether he does remains unclear, but that hasn’t stopped rumors circulating about possible targets. One name that popped up surprisingly early via NFL Notification was Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins.

It made sense. The veteran had a breakout year in 2023, racking up 9.5 sacks. He represents the type of interior pass rusher this defensive scheme under Matt Eberflus thrives on. However, the overwhelming belief was that Miami would franchise tag Wilkins before he ever reached the market. Something has changed. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, there is now a strong belief around the league that the Dolphins won’t use the tag, allowing Wilkins to hit the open market.

Development out of Indy: Several league sources expect #Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins to avoid franchise tag. Miami source says keeping options open, but teams bracing for star DT to hit free agency.

That and much, much more from @DanGrazianoESPN and mehttps://t.co/DUUbVAlj5b pic.twitter.com/JNbQQifJoa

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2024

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The Dolphins could tag and trade DT Christian Wilkins this offseason as it will be very difficult for the Dolphins to pay him what he is asking for.

Teams that are expected to pursue the star DT this offseason include the #Vikings and #Bears pic.twitter.com/fGvTylKUsD

— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) January 15, 2024

The Chicago Bears are in a good position to make a splash.

They are expected to draft a quarterback at #1 overall, meaning they won’t have to worry about paying that position for the next four years. It means Poles is free to spend on veteran players to stack the roster if he wishes. Wilkins is 29 years old, which is a bit on the older side. That said, the Bears made a run at Javon Hargrave last year, and he was 30. So they didn’t seem to have qualms spending at that position regardless of age if they felt the price was right. Hargrave got more from San Francisco. This time around, the Bears are well-equipped to go after Wilkins.

Projections have him costing somewhere in the vicinity of $22-23 million per year. It is the same where guys like Daron Payne and Dexter Lawrence sit. Much of this may hinge on whether they feel promising youngster Gervon Dexter is ready to take a big step forward in 2024. He flashed tons of promise down the stretch last season. If they aren’t comfortable taking that risk, taking a swing at Wilkins makes sense. The Chicago Bears have plenty of directions they can go once free agency begins.