I reflected
last week on the state of the Chicago Bears a few days into free agency.
Even while striking out on the top cornerbacks on the market, they’ve been active as hell. There’s no doubt. And they’ve positioned themselves well by adding depth and competition at most of their need areas across the roster.
Through this process, GM Ryan Pace has been masterful at setting the team up to draft the best available player in each round of the upcoming NFL Draft as he builds the roster from the ground up.
In addition to the moves I outlined in last week’s column, Chicago just signed nose tackle John Jenkins for defensive line depth, and there are reports that DL Ricky Jean-Francois is on his way to visit the Bears as well. Defensive line was one area the Bears neglected until now, so it’s good to see them add depth there too.
That said, the Bears would be well served by continuing to tinker with the roster and bring in even more competition as preparation for the draft continues. That’s how rosters get better. And for a team like the Bears, there should be no resting on their laurels.
So, here are five, still available, somewhat luxurious rather than realistic, free agents the Bears should consider signing to set themselves up even better.
T.J. McDonald (SS)
There were reports that the Bears were interested in Darius Butler at safety, but he re-signed with the Indianapolis Colts. But it’s clear that Chicago needs, and actively seeks, help in the secondary.
McDonald is one of free agency’s mysteries. A young, talented safety, McDonald is a skilled box defender and routinely lights up opposing players. He’s the type of presence this backfield would truly benefit from.
There are reports of issues off the field, but reportedly it’s nothing that should taboo (i.e. Ray McDonald). But still, he’s available, and with each passing day, his price drops. The Bears’ secondary would be instantly improved with his presence, so he should be on Pace’s short list.
Bradley McDougald (FS)
Another safety to add to the mix. The Bears did sign Quintin Demps to a lucrative contract on the first day of free agency, but McDougald is young player with upside, and is the type of player that fits Pace’s free agency profile. He’s not special by any means, but he started the last two years for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s not going to break the bank, so it would serve as a low-risk, high upside type move for the Bears.
Yes, I know it’s overkill, but that’s how much help this secondary could still use.
Kevin Minter (ILB)
The Bears have decent depth at the inside-linebacker position, but they’re not set by any means. Jerrell Freeman, while still playing like a beast, isn’t exactly young. And Danny Trevathan will most likely start the season on the PUP list. And when he comes back, he may never be the same, as he’s recovering from a torn patella tendon, and some doctors believe that’s a tougher injury to come back from than a torn ACL. Imagine that.
Chicago does have Nick Kwiatkoski, who filled in admirably for Trevathan last year. But adding someone like Minter would do wonders for this defense. Minter was a starter for the Arizona Cardinals last year and is a good player. He’s likely to find a starting role for a solid chunk of change at some point, but the longer he’s available, a prove-it type deal with Chicago becomes all the more possible. And that’d be great.
Update: Minter signed with the Cincinnati Bengals shortly after this was published.
Erik Walden (OLB)
The Bears will likely cut Lamarr Houston this offseason to clear some cap space, so they’ll be down one veteran pass rusher. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the NFL, it’s that a team can never have too many pass rushers.
Enter Walden. He’s coming off a big contract with the Indianapolis Colts – one in which he was mostly a letdown. But he did quietly rack up 11 sacks last season. So he does have some game left.
Walden will be 32 years old when the season starts, so he’s unlikely to get a big contract from another team. But he could serve as solid pass rushing depth, something the Bears could use.
Jamaal Charles (RB)
I know, I know. Hear me out. I wanted to go with CB Nickell Robey-Coleman here to add to the slot corner competition, but then I decided to go with the ridiculous option. Because why not?
Don’t get me wrong, Jordan Howard is the unquestioned starter. He took hold of the starting job last year and literally ran with it en route to a Pro Bowl nod and second place in the race (get it?) for the NFL rushing title. He, in no way, will be relinquishing that job to anybody.
But with his bruising, grinding style comes a need for a change-of-pace back that screams Jamaal Charles. Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey are fine, but I’m dizzy thinking of the possibilities with Charles coming in to spell Howard. Or, better yet, two-back sets. That would be so much fun to watch.
If Chicago can get him on a cheap-ish one-year deal, sign him up. Because, like I said, why the hell not?
Honorable Mentions: Nickell Robey-Coleman (DB), Johnathan Hankins (DL), Ryan Clady (OT), Jay Cutler (Just Kidding)
