3 Free Agents the Bears Need to Sign to Make a Super Bowl Run Next Season

The Chicago Bears finished the 2021 NFL season with a 6-11 record, missing out on the playoffs for the ninth time in 11 years. Chicago hasn't won a postseason game in over a decade, so you can't blame Bears fans for hoping for some serious changes this offseason.

While the Bears can get help at the 2022 NFL Draft, general manager Ryan Poles will have approximately $27.4 million to work with when it comes to free agency. With that sort of cap space, Chicago could potentially field a team good enough to compete for a championship next campaign.

Here's a look at three free agents that the Bears need to sign to make a Super Bowl run next season.

Bears Free Agent Targets

1. Christian Kirk, Wide Receiver

Chicago's wide receiver room was a mess in 2021, with Darnell Mooney being the only real standout performer. That's why Poles must work hard at fiending quarterback Justin Fields another reliable option to target. Fortunately, Christian Kirk could be that answer. The 25-year-old is young enough to be a part of the Bears' core and is coming off a campaign that saw him reach new personal bests in receptions (77) and receiving yards (982) while hauling in five touchdowns. Kirk also boasted a 74.8% catch rating, proving that he can be a reliable target for Fields. Throw in a few other pass-catching options and it's easy to see how Chicago's offense can be improved.

2. Xavier Rhodes, Cornerback

The Bears also need to improve their secondary this season, which is why new head coach Matt Eberflus may want a cornerback that he's familiar with. Xavier Rhodes spent the last two seasons with Eberflus on the Indianapolis Colts and played effectively under the former defensive coordinator. The former All-Pro CB had 81 tackles, seven passes defended and three interceptions over the last two seasons. He also held opposing quarterbacks to a 60.7% completion percentage and 97.0 passer rating in 2021. Sometimes proven chemistry can lead to results and Rhodes' experience with Eberflus could move Chicago one step closer to becoming a Super Bowl contender.

3. Andrew Norwell, Offensive Guard

No team surrendered more sacks than the Bears (58) during the 2021 NFL season. If the team wants Fields to succeed, the offensive line must be improved. Someone like offensive guard Andrew Norwell could do the trick. The former All-Pro lineman allowed only three sacks on 1,078 offensive snaps with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. He's also a proven starter, having started in all but one of his 112 career games. On top of that, Norwell boasts some versatility, with the ability to play multiple offensive line positions. A lot of great teams are built from the O-Line out, which is why the Bears shouldn't hesitate to splurge on someone of Norwell's talents.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.