3. Chicago Bears will likely go after Bobby Okereke
The only team besides the Colts that Okereke will find more familiar than the Panthers is the Chicago Bears. Chicago’s head coach is Matt Eberflus, the former defensive coordinator for the Colts and also the coordinator that Bobby Okereke played his first three years under. Additionally, much of the Bears’ defensive staff are former Indianapolis coaches that have already coached Okereke.
For that reason, people are already penciling Okereke onto Chicago’s roster. Why wouldn’t he go return to the system and coaches that helped him become a quality linebacker in this league? It makes a ton of sense, especially since the Bears will be interested in signing him.
Talked with Bobby about F.A. a bunch at the end of the season. Will take his time working through his options, and won't just jump at the most $$$. Wants a really good fit. He loves Eberflus, so Chicago makes sense. https://t.co/EdVJmFhdhS
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 7, 2023
Beyond the familiarity, the Bears have a need for an inside linebacker. Last season, Chicago traded away Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith. That left an opening in the middle of the defense that Okereke can fill. It should be an easy transition for him as well since he’s already familiar with the system that Eberflus is running.
In addition the role, the Bears have $94.6 million in cap space, by far the most in the NFL. They can offer Okereke the competitive contract that he’s deserving of. If the Bears can add Okereke, draft a top defensive prospect like Will Anderson, and pick up a few more valuable pieces, they could have a good defense as soon as next season.