5 targets for Bears in 2022 NFL free agency

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 08: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears waits for the snap during the second half of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on November 08, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – AUGUST 28: Bobby Hart #68 of the Buffalo Bills against the Green Bay Packers at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

Like their divisional rivals in the Twin Cities, the Chicago Bears have a new GM and head coach. Will the team be active during free agency this offseason?

It proved to be a short stint for Matt Nagy as the head coach in the Windy City. After four seasons with the club and just one winning season, the Chicago Bears not only parted ways with Matt Nagy but general manager Ryan Pace was let go as well.

After winning the NFC North in 2018, the club managed a combined 22-27 regular-season record. The team lost in both of their playoff appearances (the Bears finished 8-8 in 2020 and earned a wild-card berth). The offense never really found a consistent rhythm regardless of who was playing quarterback.

Former Kansas City Chiefs’ executive Ryan Poles is the team’s new general manager and former Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is the Bears’ newest sideline leader. The franchise has some cap room (via Spotrac). Will Chicago be big-time shoppers in March? Here are some possibilities.

5. T Bobby Hart (Buffalo Bills)

Via Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson, the Chicago Bears finished with the league’s 22nd-ranked offensive front. As he explains, the club got a good year out of ageless left tackle Jason Peters. Meanwhile, 2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins had his struggles. Still, he figures to be the heir apparent at the position.

On the other side, veteran Germain Ifedi is due to become a free agent and Larry Borom comes off an iffy rookie campaign (via Nate Atkins of BearsWire.com).

Well-traveled tackle Bobby Hart signed with the Buffalo Bills last March but began 2021 on the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. He wound up back with the Bills, played three games with the Titans and then returned to Buffalo and played in one contest. He could make for an economical insurance policy up front.

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