The Chicago Bears waiver wire position in 2017 is equivalent to their draft position. This means they have a chance to be one of the first teams to claim talents who are released during final cuts on September 2nd. It cannot be understated how potentially valuable that is for GM Ryan Pace. He’s already exercised that benefit once with kicker Roberto Aguayo, who apparently had interest from other teams.
Imagine what the notably detail-oriented GM could accomplish once rosters start unloading. Keep in mind he’s already done a fair job of finding hidden gems late in free agency. A few of them coming courtesy of the waiver wire. This was done when the Bears were positioned lower in the pecking order.
No doubt Pace might like to take advantage of the high position while he can. This means the Bears roster could look considerably different before the season begins next month. It’s all about determining how they might approach it.
Bears waiver wire approach certain to focus on three teams
In terms specific positions, the Bears will likely focus on wide receiver, outside linebacker and offensive line. Injuries have beset each of those three position groups. Eric Kush is lost for the year and Kyle Long still hasn’t returned. Markus Wheaton is dealing with appendix and broken finger issues. Pernell McPhee developed another knee problem and Lamarr Houston is coming off a torn ACL.
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Suffice to say the roster is far from a finished product. Pace could easily look to shore up each of those positions. It’s just a matter of figuring out who he might target. Finding specific names is almost impossible in such situations. However, a good way to narrow the search is by pinpointing the likely teams they’ll come from.
In that case, these are the three Pace is almost certain to focus on. Why? He’s done it before.
Arizona Cardinals
- Bobby Massie
- Harold Jones-Quartey
- Marcus Cooper
- Sam Acho
Baltimore Ravens
- Pernell McPhee
- Daniel Brown
- Deonte Thompson
- Patrick Scales
New England Patriots
- Akiem Hicks
- Cre’Von LeBlanc
It’s hard to believe but a pretty good chunk of the Bears starting lineup is made up of players plucked from the Patriots, Ravens and Cardinals. Then again this shouldn’t be a surprise. For one, all three of those teams are proven winners. The Patriots are champs, the Ravens rarely post a losing record, and the Cardinals were in the NFC championship two years ago. Beyond that there’s another reason for the favoritism.
All three teams develop players who fit Bears’ style
Take a closer look at the three teams and it won’t be hard to see the Bears’ fascination. Each runs a variation on the 3-4 defense like they do. They covet receivers with quickness, speed and route running skills. Last but not least they want blockers who are smart and tough. Pace has shown a preference for all those types in rebuilding this Bears roster.
At this point it’s difficult to tell which names might become available from those three teams. One thing is clear though. Given the considerable depth they all have, there is a strong chance Chicago could come away with one or two possible gems.
