The Bears took a big step toward doing a better job of protecting quarterback Justin Fields on Monday by reaching a free agent deal with guard Nate Davis, according to NFL Network. Davis, who has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract, is the 37th-ranked free agent in the the athletebest 150.
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How it fits: Let’s start with his age. He is only 26 years old. The Bears targeted younger players who were looking for new contracts early in free agency. Davis and midfielders Tremaine Edmonds and TJ Edwards are in their mid-twenties. So does receiver DJ Moore, who was acquired from the Panthers in the mega deal that included the first pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Bears also appreciated their league-leading game since last season. Maintaining and improving this prosperity has become a goal. Davis fits that target from Tennessee, running back Derrick Henry has been a focal point of the Titans’ offense since 2016. Davis became a starter in his senior season after the Titans drafted him in the third round in 2019.
With Davis as a member of the team, Henry ran for 6,042 yards and 56 touchdowns over four seasons.
According to TruMedia, Davis allowed three sacks and 14 pressures on 361 pass catches last season. Over four seasons with the Titans, he produced 16 sacks and 93 pressures on 1,747 pass breakups.
Impact 2023: Teven Jenkins could consider another change of heart if the Bears still see him as part of their future. Jenkins, a second round starter in 2021, moved to right guard last season and played well enough to impress General Manager Ryan Pauls. But Davis played right guard for Tennessee.
There’s also a potential fallout at left guard, where Cody Whitehare played last year. He has long been considered a candidate for the release of salary cap savings. Whitehare, 30, has been a starter since his rookie year in 2016, which included quarterback.
Lucas Patrick, a free agent last year, could also be considered a candidate for release if the Bears look to create space after adding Davis, Edmunds, Edwards and Moore to their books. Patrick, 29, signed a two-year contract to help change the identity of the offensive line, but injuries kept him out for most of the season. He appeared in only seven games.
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date: How’s that for a title? “To get to the draft, Nate Davis overcame an eligibility scare, the death of an OL coach and playing for five coaches in four years.”
This is from a story he wrote the athleteRhiannon Walker prior to the 2019 draft.
“This is not the end. This is really the beginning,” said Davis Locker. “Most people don’t understand this part – this is the beginning of my career.”
Davis has overcome a lot to get to this point in his career: Paying the Bears $30 million. Flexibility is a trait that Poles highly value in players. He seeks them out when he meets and discovers them, and Davies sure enough has them.
When it comes to offensive fit, Davis’ experience in a heavy, action-packed offensive zone certainly fits with what the Bears want to do with the Fields under Offensive Coordinator Luke Gatesey.
cover update: New contracts keep coming in for the Bears, and they just aren’t finalized. But the Poles promised the Bears would be “selective” in their approach to free agency.
“We’re going to have standards that kind of align with our values and our research,” Paul said at the gathering.
The additions of Moore, Edwards, and Davies seem to fit this approach. Edmunds is more than just a splash. But overall, the Bears upgraded three site groups that needed it.
prospects: The Bears’ success in 2023 will be tied to what Fields does in his third season. His development required better assistance this year and beyond. Moore is an upgrade at receiver, and Davis is an upgrade at guard.
(Photo: Kyusung Gong/Associated Press)
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