Three offensive line targets are part of the Chicago Bears’ free agency plans.

Three Offensive Line Targets Are Part of the Chicago Bears’ Free Agency Plans

As the 2023 NFL offseason progresses, the Chicago Bears find themselves with a critical decision to make: how to best address one of the most glaring weaknesses on their roster — the offensive line. The team is in a rebuilding phase, with general manager Ryan Poles focused on providing young quarterback Justin Fields with the support he needs to thrive. While the Bears have made strides in other areas of the roster, their offensive line remains a major concern. After a season in which Justin Fields was often running for his life behind a porous offensive line that allowed 58 sacks — the second-most in the NFL — it is clear that the team must make significant improvements up front if they hope to develop a successful offense moving forward.

With the 2023 free agency period now underway, the Bears have several options at their disposal. While the team has already made some moves to address their offensive line, the most significant upgrades will likely come through free agency. After securing ample cap space through a mix of trades, releases, and restructures, the Bears are well-positioned to target a number of high-quality offensive linemen who can provide immediate impact. In this article, we’ll dive into three specific offensive line targets that should be high on the Bears’ radar in free agency — players who could help transform their offensive line into a more cohesive and effective unit.

1. Orlando Brown Jr. – Left Tackle

One of the most high-profile free agent offensive linemen available in 2023 is Orlando Brown Jr., a left tackle who has proven himself as one of the top players at his position. Brown is widely regarded as a dominant force in both the passing and running games, which makes him an ideal target for a team like the Bears, who need to provide their young quarterback with a sturdy pocket in which he can operate.

Why Orlando Brown Jr. Makes Sense for the Bears

For the Bears, one of their top priorities is protecting Justin Fields. In a league where young quarterbacks’ careers often rise or fall based on the support they receive from their offensive line, Brown could be the kind of foundational piece that sets the stage for Fields to thrive. In 2022, Fields showed flashes of his incredible potential, but the lack of consistent protection made it difficult for him to reach his full potential. The addition of a seasoned and talented left tackle like Brown would immediately help stabilize the Bears’ offensive line.

Orlando Brown Jr. is not just a standout pass protector; he’s also a powerful run blocker who excels at paving the way for running backs. The Bears’ offense, under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, will likely continue to feature a strong running game, and adding Brown would provide a massive upgrade in that area. His ability to create lanes in the running game would help unlock the potential of running backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, giving the Bears the ability to sustain drives and control the clock.

Brown’s familiarity with the AFC North, particularly with his time in Baltimore before moving to Kansas City, also makes him a versatile option. He has seen a variety of defensive fronts, including elite pass rushers, and has held his own against some of the best in the league. That experience would be invaluable for the Bears as they continue to build a more competitive roster.

The Financials

Although Brown may demand a hefty contract, he represents a safe and impactful investment for the Bears. His proven ability to anchor the left tackle position for a playoff contender makes him a much-needed addition to the offensive line. It’s likely that Brown would command a deal worth at least $18-20 million per year, but the Bears are in a strong position to afford it. Given the current state of their cap space, signing Brown could be one of their marquee moves in free agency.

What Brown Would Bring to the Bears

• Proven Left Tackle: As the cornerstone of the offensive line, Brown would instantly solidify the left tackle spot, offering both pass protection and run blocking prowess.
• Leadership: As a player with multiple Pro Bowl selections and playoff experience, Brown would bring an elite level of leadership and maturity to a relatively young Bears offensive line.
• Versatility: Having played both tackle spots in his career, Brown would also bring some flexibility if the Bears decide to make adjustments on the offensive line in the future.

2. Ben Powers – Guard

While left tackle is a critical position, the Bears should also look to upgrade their interior offensive line. That’s where Ben Powers, a guard from the Baltimore Ravens, comes into play. Powers has been an underrated fixture of the Ravens’ offensive line for several years, offering a blend of physicality, toughness, and solid technique that would complement the Bears’ current needs.

Why Ben Powers Makes Sense for the Bears

In addition to addressing the tackle position, the Bears’ offensive line could benefit from an upgrade at guard. Cody Whitehair, one of the Bears’ mainstays on the offensive line, has had some struggles in recent years, particularly with consistency. By bringing in Powers, the Bears would get a younger and more athletic guard who has the potential to be a stalwart for the team for years to come.

Ben Powers’ ability to win at the point of attack and drive defenders off the ball makes him a solid option for the Bears. His size and strength make him a mauler in the running game, and his quickness and ability to pull and get to the second level would make him an ideal fit for an offense that may continue to feature a zone-blocking scheme. Powers is particularly strong in pass protection, making him a reliable option for Fields to have in front of him.

The Financials

Given the depth of the guard class in free agency, Powers is likely to sign a deal with a value between $10-12 million per year. While this is still a significant investment, it would provide the Bears with an excellent return on investment, especially considering that Powers’ best years are likely still ahead of him. Adding him to the offensive line could immediately upgrade the unit’s ability to both protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

What Powers Would Bring to the Bears

• Physicality and Strength: Powers would bring a physical, powerful presence to the Bears’ interior offensive line, allowing them to better control the line of scrimmage.
• Pass Protection: Known for his ability to anchor in pass protection, Powers would help give Fields more time in the pocket.
• Durability: Powers has been consistently healthy throughout his career, which is a big plus for a team that has had its fair share of offensive line injuries in recent seasons.

3. Mike McGlinchey – Right Tackle

If the Bears are looking to improve both sides of their offensive line, they should also consider targeting Mike McGlinchey, a right tackle who is expected to hit free agency after his successful tenure with the San Francisco 49ers. McGlinchey has been an underrated but solid presence on the right side of the line for several years, and while he may not have the same elite status as some of the league’s top tackles, he is a consistent and reliable option who would immediately help improve the Bears’ offensive line.

Why Mike McGlinchey Makes Sense for the Bears

Unlike left tackle, where the Bears might be more inclined to target a higher-profile player like Orlando Brown, the right tackle position could be a more affordable target for the team. McGlinchey has proven himself as one of the better right tackles in the league, particularly in the run game, where he excels at both moving defenders off the ball and pulling to clear lanes for running backs. His experience in a zone-heavy system in San Francisco also makes him a good fit for what the Bears are likely to run under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

While McGlinchey has struggled at times in pass protection, particularly when facing top-tier pass rushers, he is an overall solid player who could be a reliable presence for the Bears at right tackle. His athleticism, size, and ability to contribute to both the pass and run game make him a good option for the Bears as they continue to reshape their offensive line.

The Financials

McGlinchey will likely command a contract worth between $14-16 million annually, which would make him an affordable yet impactful addition to the Bears’ offensive line. His deal would be more affordable than that of Orlando Brown but still a significant commitment. However, for the Bears, signing McGlinchey would provide them with a significant upgrade at right tackle without breaking the bank.

What McGlinchey Would Bring to the Bears

• Run Blocking: McGlinchey is a dominant run blocker and would help improve the Bears’ running game, which is a key component of their offensive identity.
• Versatility: Having played in a variety of offensive schemes in San Francisco, McGlinchey would seamlessly transition to Chicago’s offense, making him a good fit.
• Dependability: McGlinchey has been a reliable presence on the offensive line, and his durability and experience would make him a stable option for the Bears.