Two of the Bears’ most promising players under the age of 25 could be headed out the door.
Getty Bilal Nichols of the Chicago Bears runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions after recovering a fumble. Bilal Nichols and James Daniels are two of the top free agents set to hit the open market for the Chicago Bears — and some are saying the team may lose them both. Daniels played center at Iowa before getting drafted by the Bears in the second round (39th overall) in 2018. Still just 24 years old, Daniels has been one of Chicago’s best offensive linemen since his arrival, spending the bulk of his time playing left guard. Nichols is another young player who has displayed potential over his four seasons with the Bears. A fifth-round pick for Chicago in 2018 (145th overall), Nichols has started 49 games for the Bears on the defensive line over that span, playing in 60. The 25-year-old has played everywhere from nose tackle to defensive end, and he could be a potential replacement for fellow free agent Akiem Hicks — if the Bears choose to re-sign him. According to multiple insiders close to the team, however, both Nichols and Daniels could be playing for different teams next season. ALL the latest Bears news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Heavy on Bears newsletter here! Join Heavy on Bears! Much will depend on what new general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus think of both Daniels and Nichols. Poles vowed to “be selective in free agency,” according to Bears insider Adam Jahns of The Athletic, who noted the following about Nichols in his February 22 column: The Bears need a three-technique defensive tackle, and Nichols seemingly has the skill set to fill it.
