Training Camp Veteran Free Agent Signings Could Pay Huge Dividends For Bears in 2021

One of the better surprises during the Chicago Bears' 2021 training camp has been the performances of two veteran free agents signings within the last month. Tight end Jesse James and inside linebacker Alec Ogletree have had a terrific showing in camp and stood out during the team's first preseason game against the Miami Dolphins. Their signing could make a significant difference heading into the 2021 regular season and provide hope for another recent free agent signing for the Bears.

Alex Ogletree and Jesse James Have Earn Roster Spots With their Training Camp Performances Both Ogletree and James were signed to provide veteran depth in camp, but after a few weeks, they appear poised to be roster locks for the regular season. The veterans' presence now gives the Bears significant depth and flexibility at the linebacker and tight end position. Even before Ogletree and James' signings, Chicago had proven starters at the two positions, including Roquan Smith, Danny Trevathan, Jimmy Graham, and Cole Kmet. Ogletree has stood out during training camp as he has recorded numerous practice interceptions and had a key tackle for loss in a goal-line situation early in the game against the Dolphins. The linebacker bounced back after being beaten in coverage by Dolphins' tight end Mike Gesicki for a near 50-yard play. Ogletree can prove to be a terrific third inside linebacker for the Bears as he could allow the defense to become flexible with their blitz packages freeing up Smith to rush the quarterback more often.

One of the main things the Bears' defense has lacked since 2018 has been quality depth at both the linebacker and secondary positions. In 2019, the team lost Trevathan to an arm injury in week ten but luckily had Nick Kwiatkowski fill-in for him. In week 14, Chicago lost Smith to a pectoral tear. With the team missing their starting inside linebackers, the Bears defense gave up 20 points or more in the final three games of the 2019 season. James gives the Bears a much-needed third tight end with quality blocking capabilities, something they did not have last season with Demetrius Harris. Chicago has two great pass-catching tight ends already in Kmet and Graham, as both bring a different type of role to the position. The second-year Notre Dame product will serve as the team's primary over the middle pass-catcher, while the former Saints' All-Pro will serve as a red-zone threat proven by his seven red-zone touchdowns in 2020.

The former Pittsburgh Steelers' tight end gives the Bears' offense massive depth seeing how depth at the position in 2019 severely limited the offense's production in 2019. One of the main reasons why the Bears' tight end position was overhauled with Kmet and Graham last season was because Chicago only had two receiving touchdowns from the tight end position in 2019. James has averaged 25 receptions and almost two touchdowns per season over his six-year career. Having that type of productions from a third tight end would give significant flexibility to the Bears' offense. Ogletree and James' Signing Inspire Excitement For the Jason Peters Signing The productive signings of James and Ogletree are significant as the Bears announced the signing of offensive tackle Jason Peters immediately following the Dolphins game this past Saturday. Peters is a two-time All-Pro and has been named to nine Pro Bowls. Although the offensive tackle is 39 years old, he will be blocking in a Bears offensive system that is identical to the Eagles offense that he played in for over a decade.

Peters was signed to help an offensive line depleted by injuries, including second-round selection Tevin Jenkins, who could potentially miss the entire 2021 season as he will have back surgery this week. The presence of the All-Pro offensive tackle is significant as it gives the Bears' younger offensive linemen a guiding figure of how to block in Matt Nagy's offensive scheme. Whether it's Jenkins or fellow 2021 draft selection Larry Borom, Peters will provide expertise on blocking assignments and serve as a quality teacher of techniques with his Hall of Fame career resume. Although Peters may not be as talented as he once was, playing in an offensive system he is familiar with could protect Andy Dalton or Justin Fields during the regular season.

The three veteran free agent signings for Chicago, although coming with a small level of excitement, could end up being vital acquisitions. If Chicago returns to the playoffs this season, it could be because of the performances of James, Ogletree, and Peters. The Bears have added three proven veterans to not only bolster their depth but have bolstered both their defense and offense from a talent and expertise standpoint. General manager Ryan Pace, with his draft selections and his three training camp signings, could be in line for significant praise for his work.