Bears Land the Best Free Agent Deal of NFL Offseason with $60 Million Signing
The Chicago Bears have made a significant splash in the NFL offseason by securing what many consider the best free-agent deal of the year. On the heels of a busy first week of free agency, the Bears landed a major acquisition in the form of former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, locking him into a three-year contract worth $60 million. This move is already being hailed as one of the most impactful signings not just for the Bears, but across the entire league.
ESPN sports betting analyst Pamela Maldonado praised the Bears’ acquisition of Allen, calling it the best move of the offseason. She highlighted that Chicago’s defense was in urgent need of improvement, especially in terms of disruption and toughness against the run. Allen, with his ability to break up plays and pressure quarterbacks, instantly fills that void. Maldonado noted that this signing reshapes the Bears’ defensive identity and elevates their competitiveness within the NFC North.
Jonathan Allen, who was selected by the Washington Commanders as the 17th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, brings a wealth of experience to the table. The two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2022) has been a mainstay in Washington’s defensive line, starting 108 of the 109 regular-season games he’s played in his eight-year career. With 60 tackles for loss, 42 sacks, and 118 quarterback hits, Allen’s resume speaks volumes about his ability to impact the game from the interior defensive line.
For the Bears, landing Allen is a much-needed boost. The team had been in search of an interior disruptor since their defensive line began to show cracks in previous seasons. ESPN’s Kevin Seifert pointed out that Chicago hasn’t had a consistent interior defender with a top pass rush win rate since the departure of key players. Allen’s presence is expected to draw attention from opposing offenses and relieve some of the pressure on the Bears’ edge rushers.
However, Allen’s signing comes with some concerns. Despite his impressive track record, Allen faced a challenging 2024 season, ranking as one of the lowest performers at his position due to a pectoral tear that sidelined him for a significant portion of the year. At 30 years old, his injury history has raised some doubts about his durability moving forward. Nonetheless, the Bears are optimistic that Allen can regain his form, and the team has added additional depth to the defensive line with other free-agent acquisitions.
The Bears’ move to secure Allen, coupled with other recent signings, signals their intent to build a more formidable defense as they look to compete in a tough NFC North. If Allen stays healthy and returns to his dominant form, the Bears could have one of the most formidable defensive lines in the league, helping to solidify their future prospects.