INDIANAPOLIS (670 The Score) – Bears general manager Ryan Poles is one week away from leading the organization through the first free agency period under his watch, but his most significant work in rebuilding the roster likely won’t occur immediately.
After being hired by the Bears in late January, Poles preached the need to have a careful approach in free agency – an indication that he sees Chicago has a lot of work to do in rebuilding its roster. With the start of open negotiations beginning next Monday, Poles has already pointed toward the second and third waves of free agency as when he plans to be the most active.
That's in part because the Bears have just 51 players under contract and many voids to fill on the depth chart.
“There’s a lot of spots we got to fill,” Poles said at the NFL Combine last week. “So, that volume piece is important, and it really comes down to our evaluation, to make sure that we’re right on that.
“You’re going to have some players that, they’re motivated, they got a chip on their shoulder. They want to get back into free agency and go at it again. So, they play with a purpose.”
The Bears currently have about $25.7 million in available salary cap space this offseason, but they're expected to release several players to create more room. Linebacker Danny Trevathan, defensive lineman Eddie Goldman and running back Tarik Cohen are among those who could be released.
The Bears could still be active in the first wave of free agency – which consists of the top players being signed quickly – in order to find an impact player at a position of need. Particularly at wide receiver and on the offensive line, there are free agents who could bolster the Bears offense around quarterback Justin Fields. But Poles also noted how the “market price” forces teams to overpay in free agency, which is something he's reluctant to do as he seeks to build a balanced roster.
The Bears hold just five draft picks, including none in the first round, which is also part of why Poles views adding a volume of players in free agency as a top priority.
“We’ll be smart about that,” Poles said. “It just changes the focus a little bit of maximizing that second and third wave of free agency and making sure that we get the right type of players in.
“I don't want to get away from bringing the right type of players in and really setting that culture and making sure the core is strong and guys are motivated, they're playing hard, but they're playing together.
“Then I think we can start to build from there.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.