The Chicago Bears have quite a few needs to address in the offseason, but could a key player from a division rival be on the menu?
The Bears are going to have to bolster their pass rush in some way, and that need only intensified after the team released their leading tackler Tremaine Edmunds on Friday in a long-anticipated move.
With the so-called “legal tampering” period set to start this week ahead of the beginning of the NFL league year on March 11, the Bears could have their eyes on one of the top available players at inside linebacker.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone is a “name to watch” for the Bears as free agency gets underway.
Anzalone also played with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen while the duo was in New Orleans, so he would be an immediate fit in the team’s defensive scheme.
The 31-year-old linebacker appeared in 16 games last season for the Lions, with 2.5 sacks and 95 combined tackles in those contests. He also had an interception and nine passes defended, with four total tackles for loss on the year.
The Bears will also likely look at defensive line help as well, but they may also have to look for help at safety if the team allows Jaquan Brisker or Kevin Byard leave via free agency.
The Bears do have some cap space to play with thanks to the DJ Moore trade, Drew Dalman’s retirement and releasing Edmunds.