Ryan Poles Avoids Potential Free Agency Busts with Defensive Line Moves

The Bears GM's conservative approach to free agency on the defensive line may pay dividends.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:52am

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Bears GM Ryan Poles has faced criticism for his free agency moves on the defensive line, but a closer look shows he may have avoided potential busts by not pursuing high-priced veteran edge rushers. Poles signed backup defensive tackles Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore instead of targeting players like Trey Hendrickson, Bradley Chubb, and Jaelan Phillips, who were identified as likely free agency busts. The Bears will instead look to the draft and second-year player Austin Booker to bolster their pass rush.

Why it matters

Poles' approach to the defensive line in free agency highlights his willingness to avoid risky, high-priced contracts in favor of building through the draft. While it may not generate headlines, this conservative strategy could pay dividends if the players he's targeting, like Booker, develop into productive starters.

The details

Last year, Poles' free agent signings of Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett have not produced much on the field despite weighing heavily on the salary cap. The Bears also lost productive defensive tackles like Andrew Billings and Chris Williams in free agency. This offseason, Poles signed backup defensive tackles Street and Gallimore, moves that haven't excited Bears fans. However, Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame identified Hendrickson, Chubb, and Phillips as likely free agency busts due to age, injury history, and production concerns. By avoiding these high-priced veterans, Poles may have saved the Bears from costly mistakes.

  • In 2025, the Bears tendered Chris Williams as a restricted free agent, but he signed with Atlanta on a one-year, $2 million deal.
  • Last week, Poles signed defensive tackles Kentavius Street and Neville Gallimore.

The players

Ryan Poles

The general manager of the Chicago Bears who has faced criticism for his free agency moves on the defensive line.

Dayo Odeyingbo

A defensive lineman signed by Poles last year whose production has not matched his contract.

Grady Jarrett

A defensive lineman signed by Poles last year whose production has not matched his contract.

Andrew Billings

A defensive tackle the Bears did not re-sign, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

Chris Williams

A defensive tackle the Bears tendered as a restricted free agent in 2025, but he signed with the Atlanta Falcons on a one-year, $2 million deal.

Kentavius Street

A backup defensive tackle signed by Poles this offseason.

Neville Gallimore

A backup defensive tackle signed by Poles this offseason.

Matt Verderame

A Sports Illustrated writer who identified Trey Hendrickson, Bradley Chubb, and Jaelan Phillips as likely free agency busts.

Trey Hendrickson

A free agent edge rusher that Poles did not pursue, despite having consecutive 17.5-sack seasons.

Bradley Chubb

A free agent edge rusher that Poles did not pursue, despite being a 30-year-old with an injury history.

Jaelan Phillips

A free agent edge rusher that Poles did not pursue, despite being a high-priced acquisition by the Panthers with a concerning injury history.

Austin Booker

A 2024 fifth-round pick by the Bears who had 5.5 sacks and 20 pressures through the playoffs in his rookie season.

Trevis Gipson

A former Bears edge rusher who had 10 sacks and 35 pressures in his first two seasons, but was cut by the new regime.

Montez Sweat

The Bears' starting edge rusher opposite Austin Booker.

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What they’re saying

“Exhibits A-D why it's silly to equate how good a pass rusher is based on number of sacks”

— Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated Writer

“Bears have plenty of work to do on the defensive front-7 / DL / pass rush this offseason.But Austin Booker is a real dude.One of Ryan Poles' few good finds on the DL.”

— BarbChairScott, Bears Fan

What’s next

The Bears will likely target an edge rusher in the upcoming draft to compete with Austin Booker and Montez Sweat for playing time on the defensive line.

The takeaway

While Poles' conservative approach to free agency on the defensive line may not generate excitement, his willingness to avoid potential busts could pay dividends in the long run. By focusing on developing young talent like Austin Booker, the Bears may be better positioned to build a sustainable and productive defensive front.