Beyond their big quarterback decision, Bears are focused on adding difference-making edge rusher, wide receiver

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) — The Bears' primary focus this offseason is on the quarterback position, and signs continue to point to them making a potentially franchise-altering decision to trade three-year starter Justin Fields and then select USC star Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

But there are other positions the Bears need to address as well, and they'll covet key additions at edge rusher and wide receiver, sources said. Their first chance to address those needs will come when free agency begins next week, with the open negotiation window starting Monday.

In free agency, the Bears will have the opportunity to sign a premier pass rusher, as the position projects to be deep in options. Josh Allen (Jaguars) and Brian Burns (Panthers) headline the group of pass rushers who are in line to be free agents, though both could be tendered the franchise tag before the deadline Tuesday. Beyond them, the other pass rushers who could be available are Danielle Hunter (Vikings), Bryce Huff (Jets) and Jonathan Greenard (Texans), and each one should be on the Bears' radar.

Hunter, Huff and Greenard each posted double-digit sack totals this past season. In signing a veteran edge rusher, the Bears would form a dynamic tandem with Montez Sweat, who earned Pro Bowl honors last season, when he had six sacks in nine games after being acquired by Chicago in a midseason trade.

While Sweat was a disruptive force, fellow Bears edge rushers Yannick Ngakoue (four sacks in 13 games) and DeMarcus Walker (3.5 sacks in 17 games) struggled to consistently make an impact.

"We got to make sure that we have somebody opposite of Sweat,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said recently. “We can never have enough of those guys, because they affect the game the most."

The Bears could also land a productive pass rusher in the NFL Draft with the No. 9 overall pick, where the likes of Dallas Turner (Alabama), Jared Verse (Florida State) and Laiatu Latu (UCLA) could be available. But if a premier receiver is available at No. 9 overall, the Bears are likely to prioritize that position.

A standout wide receiver like Rome Odunze (Washington) or Malik Nabers (LSU) would be an ideal addition for the Bears at No. 9. Similar to their goal of complementing Sweat on defense, the Bears could form a potent tandem with top receiver DJ Moore on offense.

Chicago is in dire need of depth at wide receiver, so the team will assess the position in free agency too. After Moore, the Bears’ returning wide receivers are Tyler Scott, Velus Jones Jr. and Nsimba Webster, who have a combined 30 career receptions. Veteran receivers like Gabe Davis (Bills), Tyler Boyd (Bengals) or even Odell Beckham Jr. (Ravens) could add security to the arsenal for a rookie starter like Williams, and they're all set to be free agents.

“When you have a weapon at tight end and you have a weapon at the X receiver like DJ, when you add a piece or two to the other side, it really balances you out," Eberflus said. "It's hard to defend for sure."

The Bears also have starting voids at center and safety following the departures of offensive lineman Lucas Patrick, offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and safety Eddie Jackson. Chicago will likely be active seeking veterans on the open market at both positions.

The Bears will enter the NFL’s new league year next week with around $80 million in salary cap space, according to Spotrac. That figure is the fourth-most of any team in the league.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .