Ryan Poles exploring options to bolster Bears' pass rush

In the “dog days” of the NFL offseason after the draft in April, high-profile players aren’t often available to sign. This year, however, there’s a group of pass rushers that top most lists of best-available free agents that includes Yannick Ngakoue, Leonard Floyd, Frank Clark, and Jadaveon Clowney. 

While Poles and the Bears still have more than enough draft capital to orchestrate a trade, perhaps the most efficient option is right in front of them. After all, the team still has the most cap space, by far in the NFL, even after spending big on other positions. 

Poles knew coming into the offseason that his roster couldn't be completely hole-free. However, the list of available free-agent pass rushers coupled with the amount of cap space he has to work with gives Poles the rare opportunity to fill one of the biggest holes heading into the 2023-24 season. 

The Bears certainly didn't excel in the pass-rush category last season, as their pass-rush win rate was only 37%. 

Ngakoue, for example, could offer pure production for a team that failed to address the need in the draft. He's played for five teams in seven seasons but has generated 65 sacks over that time along with 21 forced fumbles. 

At only 28-years-old, Ngakoue could come to the Bears for a few years as they attempt to get back into championship contention, making big plays in key moments.

Clark is another name that could come up in Poles' free agency meetings. He'll be 30 years old by the time the season starts but is still very productive in pressuring the quarterback. 

Poles needs no introduction to Clark's game, as he reached the height of his career while Poles was an executive on the team. The three-time Pro Bowler could come to the Bears on a shorter deal in hopes that he could prove he can still be a vital defensive presence. 

Poles' remarks about a move happening "sooner rather than later" could be a sign of a big-name free agent heading to Chicago in the next few weeks. It's not often that a GM can find such high-caliber talent this late in free agency, especially at the position the Bears need it most.