The Chicago Bears haven’t won the NFC North since 2018, and even then, they weren’t the best team in the division. One would have to go back to 2006 to find the last time Chicago won their division and rode into the playoffs looking like contenders. The biggest reason for this was none other than Aaron Rodgers. Aaron dominated the Bears from the time he stepped on the field as a starter for the Green Bay Packers and boasted a 24-5 all-time record against them over 15 years.
However, Rodgers’ reign over Chicago came to an end when he was finally traded to the New York Jets this past April, and the doors swung open for the Chicago Bears to make a run for a division title in what has been far too long of a wait for the Windy City’s football faithful.
Three Free Agents That Could Propel Chicago to the Top of the NFC North
Here is a list of three free agents that can push the Bears to the top of the NFC North, and how they can help capitalize on what is already their most talented roster in years.
1.) Dalvin Cook, RB
Former Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (4) – Quinn Harris/Getty Images
I’m sure you’ve seen the 4-time Pro Bowl running back’s name on every (financially stable) team’s availability board, but I’m here to sell you on why he should choose the Bears and why the Bears should give him whatever he asks for.
- He’s 27 years old and holds a market value of only $8.7 million/year over two years. For a running back of Dalvin’s caliber, you can’t find better value anywhere else. He has been a pro bowler for the past four years, topping 1,000 yards rushing in each and providing above-average receiving support for a quarterback who can’t get past his 2nd read before collapsing in the pocket (I’m looking at you, Kirk). I understand why Minnesota released him, but if I’m Dalvin, and I’m provided a chance to get revenge twice a year on the team that cut you after four pro-bowl seasons because they didn’t want to pay you what you deserve, sign me UP.
- His skill set and experience navigating a shaky offensive line will help take pressure off Justin Fields and provide the offense with a triple-threat attack, keeping defenses ever on their toes. The Bears are also currently employing D’Onta Foreman as their No. 1 running back, and while he is a great No. 2 back, some star power up front would be welcomed.
- Chicago has over $32 million in cap space this year. The $8.7 million that Dalvin is valued at, and the $9 million he will demand is in the cards for a team that can only benefit from a run game being produced by someone other than their franchise quarterback. It just makes sense.
2.) Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Former Colts DE Yannick Ngakoue (91) – Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Bears need an edge rusher who can pressure a quarterback and take some of the heat off their young secondary, and Ngakoue can do that. He is expensive and will require some creative cap work to give him what he wants, but the upside is there.
Yannick is coming off two seasons in which he has missed only two games and tallied 19.5 sacks total. These were his best and most productive seasons since his lone pro-bowl campaign in 2017, and he’s still only 27 years old. However, the Bears still have questions that need to be answered, namely, are they ready to go all-in on a guy who has already put in his time on a bad team (Indianapolis) and is ready to win now? Can the Bears accommodate? That is to be seen.
Chicago has a need for a veteran presence in their defensive locker room who can also be their best performer. Ngakoue can do that for them and push them over the edge on that side of the football. They also do not have an established starter on either side of the defensive line that can seal off the pass or run game; Yannick can do that. Sure, there are cheaper options out there, namely Akiem Hicks and Justin Houston, but they won’t have the on-field impact that someone like Ngakoue can provide.
3.) Matt Araiza, P
Former Bills Punter Matt Ariza (19) – Adrian Krau/AP Photo
Matt isn’t the most popular person on everyone’s free agent board right now, but I believe he is one of the most talented.
Araiza’s story begins as one of the most prolific punters to ever be featured in the NFL draft, with scouts touting him as the “Punt God” on multiple occasions in 2021. His enormous leg and knack for downing 70-yard punts within the 10-yard line infatuated coaches and eventually landed him with the Buffalo Bills in the 6th round. Things took a turn from here when Matt was accused of rape while in college and was promptly released by Buffalo. He found himself in and out of the league in a span of weeks, and was now facing serious ethical and legal troubles for the foreseeable future.
Then, two years later, the allegations were seen by prosecutors and judges alike to hold no legal precedence and were dropped accordingly.
Araiza is now a free agent and is eligible to be claimed by any team. There has been no footage of him working out while in the midst of his personal struggles, but if he still has even a fraction left of what he was showing in college at San Diego State, Chicago could benefit enormously from having one of only 23 punters to have ever been drafted in the NFL on their roster, for CHEAP.
