The Chicago Bears Free Agency Options Are Still Plentiful

Suffice to say day one of the 2017 NFL free agency period didn't go exactly as Chicago Bears fans had hoped. While other teams were reeling in the big names, it was conspicuosly silent at Halas Hall aside from some second tier additions. Mike Glennon, Quintin Demps, Dion Sims and Markus Wheaton aren't exactly a group that inspires confidence. At least not enough to believe a 3-13 team just got better. Especially after losing Alshon Jeffery to Philadelphia. Though the loss was expected it still stings. Most people have already begun to declare the Bears favorites for the #1 overall pick in 2018. That might be jumping the gun a bit. Free agency isn't a one-day event. It's a long process that goes until the start of the regular season. History has shown GM Ryan Pace can find high quality talent several days and even weeks down the road. Looking at the current crop of names still available, there are still options that can help the Bears get deeper and better. Here is a short list of such players that could make a lot of sense for Chicago. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Terrelle-Pryor-Burns-Darrelle-Revis-for-101-Yards-in-the-First-Half-Jets-vs.-Browns-NFL.mp4"][/video]

Terrelle Pryor (WR)

This probably should be the Bears' top priority. Losing Alshon Jeffery, expected or not, leaves a considerable hole in the receiving corps at a bad time for the Bears. They are going to break in a new quarterback with Mike Glennon. It's never wise to not have at least decent weapons around a young guy who's starting his first game in three years. Kevin White, Cameron Meredith and Markus Wheaton have talents of their own. None of them can do what Terrelle Pryor can. At least not yet in the case of White. Pryor played his first season as a wide receiver in 2016 and was surprisingly good. His 6'4" frame was an inviting big target for the Browns. At the same time he also flashed considerable speed. He finished with over 1,000 yards despite terrible QB and offensive line play. That says a lot about what he can do. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Bengals-Andy-Dalton-finds-Rex-Burkhead-for-24-yards-NFL-Videos.mp4"][/video]

Rex Burkhead (RB)

This is not a household name by any stretch but smart teams know exactly how valuable a player like Rex Burkhead is. He may not be a feature running back in the NFL, but he is the ideal change-of-pace back. A short, shifty runner who exhibits lots of quickness and athleticism. Not to mention a pair of strong hands that make him a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. He's the ideal compliment to Jordan Howard. Last season he stepped in for injured starters in Cincinnati and was a pleasant surprise. He finished with 344 yards rushing (4.6 yards per carry) and 17 catches for 145 yards. A creative offensive coordinator could easily find ways to use him and exploit certain coverages in a defense. Especially with the threat Howard poses.

Kelvin Beachum (OT)

The pursuit of Ricky Wagner was a nice thought but largely unrealistic for the Bears. As was Riley Reiff. It appears Charles Leno and Bobby Massie will forge ahead as starters at offensive tackle in 2016. Then again, it can never hurt to give them some competition. Kelvin Beachum was considered one of the best pass protectors in the NFL a couple years ago. Unfortunately a torn ACL hampered his progress. All signs indicate he's finally 100% healthy and could be had for a reasonable price. Given the relative immobility of their new quarterback, Chicago must put a premium on offensive linemen who can pass block. Beachum would make great depth. Somebody who can push both Leno and Massie for playing time. In this way it helps the team. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Joe-Flacco-sacked-by-Johnathan-Hankins-NFL-Videos.mp4"][/video]

Johnathan Hankins (DT)

One of the big problems the Bears have had over the past couple years is stopping the run. It's why they've invest a good chunk of their money and draft picks into improving the front seven. Everything of course starts with the defensive line. Eddie Goldman is key in the middle but he's been dealing with injuries. So adding quality help up front would be huge, literally and figuratively. Johnathan Hankins fits the bill. His stat sheet won't wow, but the 25-year old defensive tackle brings size and versatility up front. He's a run defender first which is no surprise, but opponents tend to underestimate his ability to squeeze the pocket with pressure up the middle. Adding his strength and girth to the trenches will make life much easier on the linebackers as they make tackles. [video width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Nickell-Robey-Colemans-Pick-Six-Bills-vs.-Rams-NFL.mp4"][/video]

Nickell Robey-Coleman (CB)

Bears fans are losing their minds over how the team bungled their opportunities to land a potential top tier cornerback on the market. Stephon Gilmore, A.J. Bouye and Logan Ryan all signed elsewhere. No doubt the 3-13 season and a lame duck head coach had just as much to do with it as the money negotiations involved. Nonetheless, the Bears can't afford to sit around and mope about missed opportunities. Solid options remain out there. Nickell Robey-Coleman was one of the more curious cuts by teams prior to free agency. He may only be 5'8" but was strong as the teams' slot corner. He made 35 tackles, grabbed two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. He also defended seven other passes. Maybe not the lockdown guy on the outside they were looking for, but somebody who can provide value at a position becoming more and more vital to pass defense. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/TJ-McDonald-breaks-up-potential-TD-pass-to-Martellus-Bennett-NFL-Videos.mp4"][/video]

T.J. McDonald (S)

Probably one of the more underappreciated safeties in the NFL. T.J. McDonald gets lost on a defense that featured so many other talents. That includes Aaron Donald, Robert Quinn, Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins before he left. McDonald was the forgotten man despite being one of their more dependable guys in the secondary. His versatility in coverage and around the line of scrimmage keeps showing up. He's big at 6'2" and plays a physical style. He finished 2016 with 68 tackles, a sack and two interceptions. One of those rare types who can pressure the quarterback or body up a tight end in the red zone without getting whipped. He'd bring an instant edge to the back end, not to mention more veteran experience. If nothing else he'll bring a bit more steadiness. That would be a step in the right direction.