Yeah, I can't say I was happy that was going to be the big FA signing - especially after he had talked about his signings to likely be the 2nd wave. In a vacuum, I could understand it as the 3 tech position is hugely important to this particular brand of defense. I would have preferred offensive line or a FA WR as his first attempted signing.
As it turns out, he did basically make no big FA signing as he had indicated initially would be the case. At least he didn't compound it by signing the injured DT anyway.
One interesting note on this draft's WR class - on one of the recent podcasts I listened to, they pointed out that there were actually a substantially lower than normal number of Day 3 WR's drafted this year. Speculation was it was a combination of not much depth to the class, but also that guys were potentially over-drafted on Days 1 and 2 leading to slimmer pickings on Day 3. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out in the next couple of years.
I will say that Poles has not really reached for anyone in terms of value paid for player acquired given the market. The WR market in particular went nuts due in part to the Jaguars massive overpay to Kirk. But, there were a few deals out there, like Chark to DET, that had me go...why couldn't the Bears have done that? Unless they were scared away by the medicals after getting burned on the Ogunjobi medical?
At any rate, Poles has been cautious to start - and likely too cautious as it pertains to surrounding Fields with better talent. But in doing so, the hope is the team will be in a better overall position in 2023+.