Chicago Bears' Smart Free Agency Moves

0:00It's April 2nd. This is NFL News Today. Your AI-powered source for everything NFL. Chicago Bears kept it low-key in the 2026 free agency wave, skipping the massive splashes from last year like trading for Joe Thuney, or overpaying centers. Instead, General Manager Ryan Poles played it smart, locking in left tackle Braxton Jones on a one-year deal worth up to $10 million. This came right after rookie Ozzy Trappolo, ruptured his patellar tendon in their wildcard win over Green Bay, leaving a huge gap up front. They did snack some solid pieces elsewhere, like a $40 million packed with safety. Colby Bryant and Linebacker Devon Bush, both moves that had, folks nodding in approval. But Jones' residing stayed quiet, even though he's the bridge they needed for quarterback Caleb Williams' big jump. Williams and analysts love how Poles avoided panic buys, especially with the offensive line now stable. Jones was grading 77.4 by PFF back in 2024 before his own knee issue, and Coach Ben Johnson

1:06says last year's. Struggles don't tell the full story. He's reliable when healthy. Now they've added former first-rounder Jedrick Will's Jr. to battle for that left tackle spot in camp, but expect Jones to hold it down as a depth. High steps up behind, its cheap cap insurance for a familiar face in the offense. This underrated gem keeps Chicago's line from crumbling, setting them up solid for the season, without breaking the bank.