USAT: Bears Wire audio clip

USAT: Bears Wire

Mar 28, 2022

It’s been a whirlwind of a free agency for new Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles so far filled with some under-the-radar moves and missed opportunities. - Poles’ first move of free agency was agreeing to terms with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, which was considered a big addition for Matt Eberflus’ defense. - But just as Ogunjobi was gearing up to meet with the Chicago media for the first time, the Bears released a statement that they wouldn’t be signing him after all following a failed physical. - Poles called the Ogunjobi situation “emotionally draining.” He recalled sitting in the backseat of a car with Ogunjobi and explaining why the Bears couldn’t sign him. - “It tore me to pieces,” Poles told reporters at the NFL Annual League Meeting Monday in Palm Beach. - As it turns out, Poles hasn’t exactly ruled out the possibility of signing Ogunjobi to a lesser deal, per Adam Jahns. Although Poles was quick to point out that those conversations haven’t started yet. - “We haven’t crossed that bridge yet but it’s a conversation I would like to have,” Poles said, via Courtney Cronin. - - Bears GM Ryan Poles said that he’s open to signing DT Larry Ogunjobi on a lesser deal, but conversations about that hasn’t happened yet. pic.twitter.com/0Mzd5WE5ON - — Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) March 28, 2022 - - - After Ogunjobi’s failed physical, Poles quickly pivoted to sign former Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Justin Jones to a cheaper deal. Right now, Jones figures to serve as the three-technique in Eberflus’ defense. - But if Chicago somehow managed to sign Ogunjobi, that would certainly shake things up. - Although, you’d expect Poles to be more focused on building around quarterback Justin Fields on offense right now. Especially after recently losing out on offensive lineman Ryan Bates. - - List - - NFL fans are worried about Justin Fields following Bears' offseason so far - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Bears Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Bears Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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