Free Agent Position Preview: Defensive Tackle
February 15, 2023, 5:51 PM CST
It's time for my first free agent position preview. This is the position the Bears need the most of all this offseason, at least in my opinion. The Defensive Tackle position, or more specifically, a 3-Tech. There are also some good options like Jalen Carter in the draft, but this will specifically focus on players we can use our almost $100 million in salary cap space on. Let's first begin by looking at what the Bears had last year with Defensive Tackles. Justin Jones was signed to be our 3-Tech after Larry Ogunjobi failed his physical. Mind you, had Ogunjobi not failed that physical, I may not be making this today. Anyways, Jones was not bad at all and was probably our best defensive lineman this past season. That being said, he's not a true 3-Tech and should be a typical 1-Tech/Nose on our team, as I think he's done enough to stick around. Armon Watts was claimed off waivers after 53-Man cut day, and he was okay. He's a free agent though, along with another DT in Mike Pennel, who was signed last offseason. Neither of those two would be long-term starters. You also had two practice squad guys in Donovan Jeter and Andrew Brown. It's pretty clear we need to upgrade at this position in the offseason. In this preview, I will go through 5 potential signees more in-depth, list some other options at the end, and give my prediction on who I think we will sign. So, let's get into this.
Daron Payne
My personal favorite of the five, and really all the DT options this offseason, is Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders. Payne is coming off a monster year where he racked up 11.5 sacks, 18 TFLs, and 20 QB Hits with 64 total tackles. One of the big things that makes him an eye-catching FA is the fact that he is only 25 years old. Getting a guy like him on a 5 year deal as your 3-Tech would be incredibly smart for Chicago. Poles wants to take over the North, and good Bears teams have always had a good D-Line. With Payne, we will get a guy who can play both Nose AND 3-Tech. That could give you the flexibility to sign two starting D-Lineman, should the team not want to roll with Justin Jones for some reason. Washington also has big decisions with their own D-Line, which would involve paying other players like Montez Sweat and Chase Young. This could allow Payne to slip through right into free agency and right into Ryan Poles' hands.
Dre'Mont Jones
I mentioned with Daron Payne how Washington has some decisions to make with their own D-Line this offseason. So what happens if Payne gets extended or franchise tagged. My personal favorite alternative would be Dre'Mont Jones. Jones, like Payne, is young as he is only 26. Jones is coming off a 6 sack, 9 TFL, 10 QB Hit, and 47 tackle season with the Broncos. If Payne falls through, I would love to pick Dre'Mont up, as he was a 3-Tech in Denver. Despite playing 3-Tech, Jones also have edge flexibility as well. If we can somehow get him and Payne, our Interior D-Line would be set for years.
Javon Hargrave
When you first see Javon Hargrave, you'd think "why isn't he a top two option for you at D-Tackle." I mean, he had 11 sacks, 10 TFLs, and 16 QB Hits with a much higher PFF Grade than the other two along with 60 tackles. The main reason Hargrave slips for me is age. Don't get me wrong, I'd absolutely love Hargrave on the Bears, but the only issue is the fact that he's already thirty. You can sign guys like Payne and Jones to 5 year deals, but you can't really do that with Hargrave. Out of the three, I think he's the most likely to stay with his current team (Philly). But if the other two fall through, don't get me wrong I would love to have him on the team.
Dalvin Tomlinson
The first guy I didn't do a FA Target on my Instagram for, Tomlinson is coming off a 2.5 sack, 3 TFL, 10 QB Hit season. He hasn't been the sack/TFL machine some of the others have been, but he's been consistent throughout his entire career. Can you sign him to a long deal? No, the max I'd be willingly to go for the Minnesota Vikings DT is 2 years. He could be a potential 1-Tech/Nose guy, as he doesn't play 3-Tech, but just isn't my top target.
Sheldon Rankins
The final guy I will take a look at more in-depth is Sheldon Rankins, a true 3-Tech. Rankins is solid as a pass rusher, he's coming off a 3 sack, 4 TFL, 7 QB Hit year. He's not the best run defender though, something that could hinder his stock in Chicago. I'd be fine with signing him, but like Tomlinson, he's not a guy I would jump over obstacles to make him my #1 priority.
Other Options:
Poona Ford - Seattle
Larry Ogunjobi - Pittsburgh
Derrick Nnadi - Kansas City
Matthew Ioannidis - Carolina
Prediction
So what is my prediction? What I want and what I dream about is Daron Payne and Dre'Mont Jones, but that isn't really feasible. I'll go with a prediction that we will sign Daron Payne, roll with Justin Jones, and draft a development guy in the middle rounds. Payne will play the 3-Tech, Jones the Nose, and the development guy you can move around. I'd be completely fine with that scenario, as long as we get some edge help as well. Now, if we were to sign a nose tackle? I'd predict either Poona Ford, one of my other options who has been a great nose for Seattle, or Derrick Nnadi, who may be more likely with the Poles connections. Either way, the Bears will be very active in this positional market and will likely spend a ton of money on one or two guys to come in and dominate as new monsters on the D-Line.
The Bears will definitely be in the DT market this offseason