Chicago Bears: Defensive Line Will Look Different in 2022

While Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles says the offense will be the priority this offseason, he has some decisions to make on defense, particularly at defensive line.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles certainly has a big job when the new league year begins on March 16th. He has over 30 free agents on the roster and a handful of players who he can cut to save salary cap space. In addition, there are some players who can have their contracts restructured to free up even more space.

When Poles spoke at the introductory press conference he stated that the offense would be his priority this offseason. He named the offensive line in particular. He wants to make sure that the franchise quarterback, Justin Fields, has all the tools and the protection to succeed.

Despite what he said, Poles has other areas in which he needs to make big decisions. One of those areas is at the defensive line.

The Bears’ defensive line could look drastically different in 2022. First of all, the defense returns to the 4-3 scheme it historically had. That means an extra person on the line. Additionally, two of the three starters along the line become free agents. Fan-favorite Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols are set to test the waters. Poles needs to decide if he keeps one or both or none of them.

Hicks has been great during his time in Chicago, but he is on his last legs. Injuries and age are preventing him from being the same player he was. In the past three seasons, he missed 20 games due to injury. He played in 15 of the 16 games in 2020, but he missed big chunks of games due to injuries. It is doubtful the Bears bring him back.

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Nichols has been an exemplary player for the Bears. When nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID, Nichols stepped up and did a good job. He followed it up with a solid 2021 season back at defensive end. In fact, in the past two seasons, he played in all 33 games. He recorded 91 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and an interception. He even had 4 passes defended. Still young at age 25, expect the Bears to make a push to bring him back.

Speaking of Goldman, his presence on this defense isn’t guaranteed. He didn’t exactly light it up when he played in 2021. He was a big part of the Chicago Bears’ run defense, but this season many opposing running backs just gashed the defense, especially in the middle.

The Bears actually received some good play from Goldman’s backups, Angelo Blackson and Khyiris Tonga. Head coach Matt Eberflus could decide that one of them is good enough to start.

What makes the decision to part ways with Goldman a good option is the salary cap. The Bears can save about $8.9 million if they cut him. That is a nice chunk of money to save. With Tonga or Blackson stepping up to replace him, Chicago will have a starter under control for a while at a cost-effective price. They can then use most of the money they saved from Goldman to other areas that need attention.

While most people wonder how much different the offensive line will look when the Chicago Bears take the field in Week 1 of the 2022 season, the defensive line will definitely have a new look. Let’s hope that the new look helps improve the defense and result in more victories.