The Chicago Bears free agency plans to this point is a mystery. GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have been too busy soaking up the action at the Senior Bowl down in Mobile, Alabama. People don't know what fates awaits the teams' own free agents like Alshon Jeffery. So it's naturally impossible to know what they might have planned for bringing in outside help.
Here's what is known. The Bears will have upwards of $54 million to spend according to overthecap.com. Removing the contracts of Jay Cutler, Lamarr Houston and Eddie Royal would push that to over $77 million. Suffice to say they have more than enough room to spend big if that is their wish.
Given the fact this team just finished 2016 with a 3-13 record, it wouldn't be the least bit surprising. Pace has thus far built a reputation on careful spending. Whether that will stay the same in such a pivotal off-season is difficult to determine. The question is if they're planning any big pushes, who will they focus on?
The Back End
It's no secret the Bears plan to do some spending on the market. What people want to know is where that money will be applied. Are there any names expected to be available that they will pursue? Thus far that information has been difficult to come by. Still, an interesting list of names just surfaced. https://twitter.com/NFLDraftBites/status/824032290179321857 This may seem like just another Twitter feed spouting nonsense. Then again its controller seems to garner some respect. Among the followers of this feed include former player and current analyst Matt Bowen, Josh Norris of NBC Sports, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times and even sports super agent Drew Rosenhaus. It appears he's fairly well-connected with some reputable football names. Besides, this information isn't hard to believe. Specifically in regards to A.J. Bouye. While several teams have interest in the Houston Texans cornerback this year after he played so well (1 INT and 16 passes defended), the Bears were onto him as early as spring of last year. Scout.com reported on it."Cornerback A.J. Bouye has opted to return to the Houston Texans signing his $1.671 million tender offered to him as a restricted free agent. With interest from the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans, Bouye decided coming back to the team that gave him the chance to break into the NFL in 2013 was the best option for him."[video width="640" height="360" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/AJ-Bouye-seals-game-with-interception-of-Connor-Cook.mp4"][/video] The other two names mentioned are no less interesting. Trumaine Johnson is a cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams. In 2015 he had a breakout year with five interceptions. Even so the Rams chose to franchise tag him instead of locking up a long-term deal. Now there's a chance he could become available. Though his stats took a dip this past year, much of it was the performance of the entire defense rather than just him. The 27-year old is an athletic 6'2" who would make for a great fit in that Vic Fangio system. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Trumaine-Johnsons-Impressive-End-Zone-INT-Rams-vs.-Cardinals-NFL.mp4"][/video] The last name mentioned is perhaps the most fascinating. One would think if there is any safety the Bears would be interested in this March, it would be Eric Berry. Then again it's difficult for anybody to imagine the Chiefs letting the perennial Pro Bowler walk. So who in the world is Sorensen. Well his name is Daniel Sorensen. He was an undrafted free agent who joined the Chiefs in 2014 out of BYU. As it turns out he might be better than some realize. In total he finished this past season with 63 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. [video width="854" height="480" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Daniel-Sorensen-Picks-Off-Drew-Brees-Takes-It-to-the-House-for-Six-Saints-vs.-Chiefs-NFL.mp4"][/video] The kid is an athlete and every bit of 6'2". This also wouldn't mark the first time the Bears have made a run at a Chiefs safety. Last year they brought in Ron Parker for a visit. He almost signed but chose instead to accept a five-year deal from Kansas City. It's clear Pace has a respect for Kansas City's ability to pinpoint quality safeties. With good reason based on the stats alone. If the rumor is solid, then the odds are good the Bears should be able to get at least one of those names when free agency begins in March.
