Bears hailed as ‘top landing spot’ for former Colts linebacker in free agency

The Chicago Bears have already had a fantastic offseason, but there could be more signings to come.

Chicago has made moves left and right this offseason and is already a much better team on paper heading into the 2024 season. While that is the case, they still have over $22 million in cap space to use and could use another defensive addition.

It’s unclear what their plan is, but the linebacker spot has been mentioned as an area that could be improved through free agency. Free agency is expected to begin again soon as June 1 is now upon us, and the Bears have been mentioned by NFL Trade Rumors’ Ethan Woodie as one of the top landing spots for former Indianapolis Colts star Shaquille Leonard.

“Former Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is the head coach in Chicago and that connection could be enough to make a deal,” Woodie said. “Eberflus played in Indianapolis for four seasons, from 2018 to 2021. He was on the staff when Leonard was drafted and coached the best seasons of Leonard’s career. Most of Eberflus’ Colts defensive staff currently belongs to the Bears’ defensive staff as, well, Eberflus even mentioned Leonard as the prototypical middle linebacker he’s looking for.

Leonard is a three-time Pro Bowler and is still looking for his next opportunity in free agency. Chicago could use help at defense and there is clearly a connection with Leonard. Why not take a chance on him with the remaining cap space?