Belief is Bears May Try to Keep Prince Amukamara

The Chicago Bears have some significant decisions regarding their defense this offseason. Most of them in the secondary. They already solved one issue with their extension for safety Eddie Jackson. Next they'll have to figure out who will be playing next to him in 2020. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Deon Bush, and DeAndre Houston-Carson are all free agents in March. Then there is the matter of the cornerbacks. Specifically veteran Prince Amukamara.

The 30-year old is coming off a forgettable 2019. Not only did he fail to record a single interception, he also missed time with multiple injuries. This has led many to believe the Bears might consider cutting him and his bloated $9 million cap hit this offseason. The signing of CFL star Tre Roberson seemed to only intensify those beliefs. However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune isn't so convinced.

Even with Roberson, he doesn't see anybody on the roster who can replace the dependability Amukamara brings opposite Kyle Fuller. That is why he thinks the team will work to keep him. Just not at his current price tag.

"I would not rule out the possibility that the Bears approach Amukamara about a small pay reduction. Whether the team is considering that, I don’t know, but the club has gone down that path with a few veteran players in the past, including right guard Kyle Long last offseason."

Prince Amukamara will likely dictate how that goes

Last year, the Bears approached Long about a pay cut. The veteran guard, knowing his situation, accepted and he remained with the team at a reduced rate. It's the same idea here. Amukamara is aging, coming off a down season and was hampered by health issues. It makes sense the team would ask him to do the same. However, it takes two to tango as the saying goes. The cornerback would have to be open to the idea.

He's stated several times he loves playing in Chicago and was swift to re-sign with the team rather than shop himself elsewhere in 2018. That though was when Vic Fangio was still defensive coordinator, a guy he really liked. Chuck Pagano is in charge now and things may have changed. If Amukamara isn't interested in a pay reduction, he could simply stand his ground. This would likely force the Bears to release him.

If he's unwilling to test the market, which hasn't always been kind to older corners, then he might be open to working something out. It would certainly be a big help to the Bears' tight cap situation.