00:00One of the biggest priorities? Fixing the offensive line. If Caleb Williams is going
00:04to be the new face of the franchise, or even if the team sticks with Justin Fields,
00:08they need protection. And right now, all signs point to one key name in free agency,
00:14Will Fries of the Indianapolis Colts. Who is Will Fries and why should Bears fans care?
00:21Fries was a seventh-round pick by the Colts in 2021. Not exactly a high-profile prospect,
00:27but here's where things get interesting. Fries has done nothing but fight, grind,
00:33and prove himself at every step. By 2022, he had worked his way into a starting role.
00:40In 2023, he started every game at right guard and showed massive improvements. And in 2024,
00:48he was on track for his best season yet before a leg injury cut his year short.
00:53But let's talk numbers. Because numbers don't lie. Before his season-ending injury,
00:59Fries had a pass block win rate of 92.4%. That's not just good, that's elite. His run block win
01:06rate? 74.3%. Again, among the best in the league. To put that into perspective, some of the highest
01:13paid guards in the NFL are barely topping those numbers. And yet Fries is flying under the radar
01:18in free agency. That's exactly why the Bears should pounce. Now, of course, injuries matter.
01:25Fries suffered a fractured tibia in week five of the 2024 season. That's a tough injury,
01:32no question. But here's the thing. He's already on track in his recovery. The Colts have praised
01:37his work ethic. He's been in rehab nonstop. And if there's one thing we know about this guy,
01:43it's that he never backs down from a challenge. A seventh-round pick doesn't make it in the NFL
01:49without resilience, and Fries has plenty of it. So where does he fit in Chicago?
01:55Well, with Tevin Jenkins likely heading elsewhere, the Bears need a replacement at guard.
01:59Some have speculated that the team might target a big-name, high-priced option. But what if they
02:05could get elite production for a fraction of the cost? That's where Fries comes in. He's still just
02:1127 years old, meaning he's in his prime. He's shown steady improvement every year. And most
02:17importantly, he fits what the Bears are trying to build, a tough, physical, no-nonsense offensive
02:23line that can dominate in both pass protection and run blocking. Let's not forget about the
02:28running game. The Bears just brought in DeAndre Swift, a dynamic back who thrives when he has
02:33space to work with. Imagine what he could do behind an improved offensive line. Fries isn't
02:39just a pass protector. He's a force in the run game. His ability to create lanes for running
02:45backs would be a game-changer for Chicago's offense. Last season, the Bears' run game showed
02:49flashes, but it wasn't consistent enough. Adding a player like Fries would help solidify that unit
02:56and create a more balanced offensive attack. But here's the big picture. The Bears aren't just
03:01trying to make small improvements. They're trying to take the next step. The NFC North is wide open.
03:08Green Bay is still adjusting to life without Aaron Rodgers. The Vikings are in transition. And the
03:13Lions? They're the current kings of the division. But they're not unbeatable. If Chicago wants to
03:18close the gap, it starts in the trenches. Football games are won and lost at the line of scrimmage,
03:24and the Bears need to be stronger there. Ryan Poles knows this. The Bears' front office has
03:28been clear about their priorities. They need to protect their quarterback. They need to
03:32establish a dominant running game. They need to control the line of scrimmage. Will Fries
03:37check all those boxes? He's not the flashiest name in free agency, but he might be one of the
03:42smartest signings the Bears could make. So what do you think, Bears fans? Should Chicago make a
03:48move for Fries? Would he be the missing piece on the offensive line? Drop your thoughts in the
03:52comments below. And if you love deep dives into Bears football, make sure to like and subscribe.
03:57This offseason is going to be huge, and we'll be breaking down every move, every signing,
04:02and every draft pick. Stay tuned. Big things are coming.
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