Bears could covet a disruptive defensive tackle in free agency

(670 The Score) Bears head coach Matt Eberflus once proclaimed that the three-technique defensive tackle position is the engine that drives his defensive identity.

With the Bears now in the third year of the Eberflus era, their defense still lacks its driving force at that pivotal position. That could change next week, when the negotiating window opens Monday and free agency officially begins Wednesday.

Boasting the fourth-most salary cap space of any NFL team, the Bears could explore a defensive tackle market that's deep in quality options.

The class is led by five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones, a dominant player who has posted a combined 26 sacks over the last two seasons, including 10.5 sacks over 16 games for the Super Bowl-winning Chiefs in 2023. The Chiefs chose to utilize their franchise tag on top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, allowing Jones to hit the open market this offseason.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles was part of the Chiefs’ scouting brass in 2016, when Kansas City selected Jones in the second round of the NFL Draft. But for as dominant as Jones has been, he’s set to turn 30 in July and will command a significant contract that may exceed Poles’ price point.

The other premier defensive tackle to hit free agency is former Dolphins standout Christian Wilkins, whom Miami declined to franchise tag Tuesday. The 28-year-old Wilkins had a career-best nine sacks and registered 58 pressures in 17 games 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Beyond his production, his versatility could be attractive to the Bears.

Leonard Williams (Seahawks), D.J. Reader (Bengals), Grover Stewart (Colts) and Sheldon Rankins (Texans) will also be available in free agency as potential fits for the Bears’ defense. Poles and the Bears will enter the open negotiation period next week armed with values for each defensive tackle who's available and measure their markets against those of free agents at other key positions. Chicago has clear positional needs at wide receiver, edge rusher, center and safety.

Poles and the Bears are unlikely to break the bank and risk the team’s salary cap flexibility unless there’s a sense of certainty surrounding a signing, sources familiar with the team's thinking said. That isn't surprising, as any NFL executive will remind of the inherent risk that comes with operating aggressively in free agency.

During Poles’ first offseason in Chicago in 2022, defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and the Bears agreed on a three-year, $40.5-million deal in free agency. Ogunjobi was set to become the team’s three-technique, but the Bears backed out of the agreement after he failed his physical. Chicago instead signed defensive tackle Justin Jones on a two-year deal.

Last offseason, the Bears explored the market for players like Javon Hargrave, Zach Allen and Dre’Mont Jones, but each signed elsewhere at a steep price. The Bears then selected defensive tackles Gervon Dexter (second round) and Zacch Pickens (third round) in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding a pair of talented-but-raw players to their mix.

Dexter is a potential starter for the Bears at the three-technique position after he showcased growth late in his rookie season. Pickens also saw his snap counts increase throughout the course of the season as the coaches showcased more trust in him. Even so, there's appeal for Eberflus and Poles in creating a deeper, more disruptive group at that position.

When free agency begins next week, the Bears may bolster their defense by adding a driving force at defensive tackle.

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