The Bears have had a busy couple weeks. All the trades and signings and money spent has vastly upgraded this roster in areas of weakness. There’s more work to be done, with depth signings and the NFL draft now on the horizon.

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This relative lull in the acquisition calendar provides the perfect time for a Bair Mail. The questions have come pouring in (thanks for that) as fans absorb what has been done and what should come next.

Let’s not waste tons of time with a preamble here and get right to what you want to discuss. That starts with the interior defensive line, where the Bears suddenly have more than enough of a good thing.

Tyler from Pella, Iowa

Should the Bears consider transitioning Dexter Sr. to a nose tackle role to see if he can replace Billings long term?

Bair: I like Andrew Billings at the nose tackle spot, and I think Ben Johnson feels the same. He mentioned Billings by name in his introductory press conference as a reason why he didn’t like playing the Bears run defense.

Billings is a one-of-one individual, a massive human who provides the stout presence and agility that few can. If he recovers well from a torn pectoral muscle, I would anticipate him becoming a crucial part of the Bears early-down defense and someone worthy of a contract extension.

Gervon Dexter isn’t the same player, more of a traditional three technique who works well against the run and pass. One could say the same thing about new signing Grady Jarrett but with more emphasis, considering he has a prolonged track record of excellence as an interior disruptor. I think the Jarrett signing was less of a reflection on Dexter than it was a real-time reaction to the market.

An all-timer got released as free agency began. The Bears pounced and paid what was required to get him. It was a good move. You can never have too many defensive linemen, who need to come at you in waves. Also, Dexter and Jarrett will likely play next to each other in the sub packages, where the Bears live more than 70% of the time. There’s room for both players to eat and work well together, even with Jarrett as a presumptive three-down starter.

Instead of converting Dexter, which I don’t think would be a thing, the Bears should draft a massive defensive tackle to supplement the rotation long-term, even though it’s pretty solid right now when including Chris Williams in the mix.  

Bill DeStefano from Bloomingdale, Ill.

Would the Bears take a flyer on Amari Cooper, After a down year last year wouldn’t he be a prime candidate for a one-year prove-it deal?

Bair: I find it interesting that most of the top remaining free agents are receivers. Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs, Brandin Cooks and Tyler Lockett are all still available. I believe that’s the case because a market didn’t materialize for pass catchers used to making high salaries. Everyone mentioned is over 30 and likely in their career’s twilight, but it’s clear they’re waiting for the right opportunity and contract offer to come their way.

The Bears don’t have much salary cap space available to satisfy one of these players, and the Olamide Zaccheaus addition seems to round out the top three in a way that another veteran isn’t needed. It sure seems like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze will be the major players out wide, though some back-end depth is needed.

I covered Cooper during his time with the Raiders and he’s an excellent route runner with a solid catch radius. Caleb Williams has professed his admiration for Allen as well, but it seems like the Bears need pure speed in their next receiving addition, though Tyler Scott can turn on the afterburners.

The Bears have strategically used their cap space differently than last year, with money poured into the lines. That leaves less for the receivers than a year ago, which is why a veteran addition at this point would have to be cheaper than what those above are willing to take.

Harold King from Chicago

Are the Bears about to acquire Trey Hendrickson?

Bair: In a word, no. The Bengals are asking far too much for a pass rusher in his 30s, especially when you’d have to give up draft capital and then extend him at a rate above or near the top edge rushers. That’s too steep for Chicago, no matter how well he’d fit in a Dennis Allen scheme he has wrecked shop in before.

Cap numbers can get really low in the first year, but it’s highly unlikely the Bears could squeeze him in if they wanted to do so. Reports suggest the Bengals are trying to retain him even after signing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If they were going to make a Hendrickson move, it would’ve happened before the Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney deals. They chose to spend money on the offensive line, and I think they were right to do so.

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