Hot Takes, Predictions for Bears' Most Impactful Free-Agent Signings

The Chicago Bears' most impactful free-agent signing could be a player who does not show up in the stat sheet.

New head coach Matt Eberflus and first-year general manager Ryan Poles have brought in center Lucas Patrick to bring stability to the offensive line in front of Justin Fields.

The 28-year-old's experience in the middle of the offensive interior could be a huge boost for the Bears as they try to make their second-year quarterback feel as comfortable as possible.

Chicago also added Byron Pringle to the wide receiver corps, but he comes with some questions since he played as a depth piece in an offense led by Patrick Mahomes.

Pringle must take a step up in his game to potentially be the No. 2 wideout behind Darnell Mooney after the Bears lost Allen Robinson to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason.

Chicago has taken a risk on defensive tackle Justin Jones, who signed a two-year deal after Larry Ogunjobi failed his physical.

The Bears are paying less for help on the defensive interior, which might hurt their defense in the post-Khalil Mack era.

Lucas Patrick Is Most Impactful Free Agent

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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Lucas Patrick #62 of the Green Bay Packers runs on the field prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 28, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

The Bears made a statement in free agency by landing Lucas Patrick from the Green Bay Packers.

The signing showed the franchise is willing to provide extra protection for Justin Fields, who was sacked on 36 occasions across 12 games in his rookie season.

The quarterback was also intercepted 10 times. The interception and sack totals can't remain that way for 2022 if the Bears want to be competitive.

The protection from the offensive line will be even more vital in the first few weeks of the season as Fields works on his chemistry with a new set of wide receivers.

Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown, Tajae Sharpe and Velus Jones Jr. are all new to the team, and the Bears brought in James O'Shaughnessy and Ryan Griffin to fill in the tight end depth behind Cole Kmet.

Improved protection from Patrick and the rest of the offensive line should help Fields go through his progressions and work on the in-game chemistry within the new-look offense.

Chicago's offense may not look perfect, but Patrick and Co. should give Fields the best chance possible to stay upright and make plays.

Byron Pringle Struggles to Adjust to Larger Role

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LAKE FOREST, IL - MAY 17: Chicago Bears wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) runs with the football in action during the Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workouts on May 17, 2022 at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Bears have an Allen Robinson-sized hole in their offense.

Darnell Mooney was the team's leading pass-catcher in 2021, but he will be targeted more by opposing defenses now that he is the top receiver.

Byron Pringle was added from the Kansas City Chiefs to be a potential No. 2 wide receiver. He has been nothing more than a depth piece during his NFL career after playing behind Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and others.

Pringle set career highs of 42 receptions and 568 receiving yards in 2021, but he did not reach the 200-yard mark in his first two seasons.

The former Chiefs wideout could take a step up in production with a larger set of targets, but it may be hard for him to carve out a large role in the offense.

The Kansas State product has to be ready to be a high-volume pass-catcher in case Mooney is blanketed by top corners throughout the season.

One season with 568 yards does not guarantee someone will be a breakout wide receiver.

It may be tough for Pringle to make a bigger impact than that if he struggles in an elevated role and Fields has trouble working with the unit as a whole.

Justin Jones Turns into Solid Piece on Defensive Line

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 02: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass in front of Justin Jones #93 of the Los Angeles Chargers during a 34-13 loss to the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 02, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Justin Jones showed flashes of being a solid defensive tackle during his time with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The 25-year-old recorded five quarterback hits, five tackles for loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries in 11 games last season.

The defensive tackle could end up as a solid piece to the defensive line alongside Robert Quinn and others.

Chicago needs help from all around the defensive unit with Khalil Mack now with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Bears will not ask a single player to make up for Mack's sack production, but if they can get 10-15 sacks from a collection of players, they will be in decent shape.

Jones' biggest concern is his health. He has not played more than 13 games in a season throughout his four-year career.

As long as he stays healthy, the North Carolina State product could be a menacing force on the defensive interior.