Makhlouf: Kaitlin Sharkey breaks down Bears' new additions (Hour 2)

·46 min·4 clips

Bears GM Ryan Poles was active in free agency, signing safety Kobe Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush—what does it mean for the team's trajectory?

The episode begins with a recap of the Bears' free agency activity on the first day of the legal tampering period, highlighting the signings of safety Kobe Bryant from the Seahawks, linebacker Devin Bush from the Browns, and defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. Host Rami Makhlouf brings on guest Caitlin Sharkey, a sports anchor and reporter for WGN TV, to provide analysis. Sharkey notes that the moves align with GM Ryan Poles' stated goal of improving the defense, viewing Bryant as an immediate impact player. She suggests the Bryant signing likely means the end of Jaquan Brisker's time in Chicago but leaves the door open for Kevin Byard's return if he doesn't find a better market offer. The conversation shifts to the re-signing of left tackle Braxton Jones on a one-year deal, with Sharkey mentioning that Jones has been training with Terron Armstead and could show improvement. They discuss the retirement of center Drew Dalman and his replacement, Garrett Bradbury, whom Sharkey sees as a solid fit. Makhlouf raises a central question: given the departures of DJ Moore and Dalman, along with salary cap constraints, can the Bears' roster actually look better on paper for the 2026 season? Sharkey acknowledges it's hard to predict but points to potential internal development and the draft. The host then takes calls from listeners, who share mixed views on the team's trajectory. One caller, Gus, expresses concern about the defensive line's lack of production and doubts the draft alone can fix the roster. Makhlouf concludes by noting the Bears still have needs at wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback, safety, and defensive line, questioning if the path to improvement is clear.

As heard by us

Caitlin Sharkey frames the Bears' compensatory pick fight as a practical test of the NFL's own rulebook.

Caitlin Sharkey gives the Bears' missing compensatory pick complaint a clean, pointed read through Ian Cunningham's move into the general manager job in Atlanta.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want the Bears' Ian Cunningham compensatory-pick gripe translated without needing the rulebook open?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Score Evenings