The Chicago Bears don't have the luxury that teams like Green Bay and Pittsburgh. They can't build exclusively through the draft. If they're going to turn things around quickly after an bad 3-13 season, they have to be willing to spend in free agency. Good news is GM Ryan Pace, through careful operation has made so the team will have loads of salary cap space at their disposal when the 2017 off-season goes active in March.
According to current estimates the team will have upwards of $54 million at their disposal. They'll also have the ability to create a lot more if they decide to part ways with veterans like Jay Cutler, Lamarr Houston and Eddie Royal. This enables them to target just about any name that will be available regardless of position.
Most predictions center around the secondary though. At safety it's all about Pro Bowler Eric Berry and whether he might actually leave Kansas City. Then at cornerback many teams are smitten with Houston Texans breakout star A.J. Bouye. Getting either one would be a coup for the Bears. However, history says not to count on such things. So what about other options? Turns out they may be in luck.
FINDING THE HIDDEN GEM
Bouye might be the best corner set to hit the market but he's far from the only good one. Play at that position was a big reason why the Bears delivered a franchise-low 11 takeaways in 2016. Vic Fangio can't be expected to run the kind of defense he wants without guys who can provide consistent coverage on the outside. One name that hasn't really gotten much attention of late is Trumaine Johnson. The 27-year old received the franchise tag last season from the Los Angeles Rams. Most would assume that was meant as a temporary move in order to sign a long-term extension. Especially after they lost Janoris Jenkins to free agency. However, a change to the coaching staff seems to have opened up the possibility that Johnson may hit the open market as well. https://twitter.com/BR_NFL/status/827627746130014208 Johnson, like the rest of the Rams defense went through a regression this past year. He finished with one interception and 57 tackles. The year before though he delivered 71 tackles and seven interceptions. At 6'2" he has imposing size and seems to have the desired athleticism of a cornerback who can play press coverage. In fact his scouting report from his draft profile alluded to that much."Johnson is a lanky defender who has the athletic ability to stay in a receiver's hip and make plays. He uses his arms effectively in press coverage and jabs receivers to interrupt their routes and timing within the offense. He understands when to react in zone and possesses the long speed to take risks there and still recover. He is good at reading the receiver's hips, reacting to their drop and quickly making a play on the ball. He is a very effective tackler and imposing athlete at the position."
