Ryan Pace may not be known for his early reactions in NFL free agency but the man has become a master during the second and third waves. He just has that knack for being able to find players of value. Players who bring something to the table that the Chicago Bears didn't have the year before but at a team-friendly cost.
He's at it again. Not too long after signing veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara to a new one-year deal, the Bears struck again. This time they secured a three-year contract with 27-year old Pro Bowl alternate Marcus Cooper.
Cooper is a former seventh round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers. He has a connection to Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. After a roller coaster time in Kansas City, he eventually landed with the Arizona Cardinals. There he resurrected his career with four interceptions in 2016, showcasing the athletic coverage and ball skills people saw him capable of. No doubt this development didn't make Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians happy.
Suddenly a cornerback group that looked completely overmatched last season is starting to gain some credibility. Cooper is a tremendous fit for their scheme. Together with Amukamara they bring a little more experience and reliability. If nothing else it's a major step in the right direction. It also opens up so much more flexibility for the Bears going into the NFL draft. A Marcus Cooper Bears jersey will look so much better in navy blue than his traditional red.
