One of the more underrated aspects of this new Chicago Bears coaching staff is the potential effect it could have on their fortunes for 2018 free agency. An unsung value of adding new coaches is that they might be able to lure certain players to the team. Players who enjoyed working with them at a prior location. For John Fox that was the case with Danny Trevathan, Mitch Unrein, and Eddie Royal.
This could mean GM Ryan Pace might have extra advantages with certain names set to hit the open market in March. All of them may not be the blockbuster stars fans are hoping for, but more than few could end up being quality adds to the roster in any number of capacities. Here is each of the primary coaches involved going into this season and who they might be able to call on for help
Matt Nagy
Albert Wilson (WR, 25-years old)
Nagy had a direct hand in the development of Wilson as one of the better slot receivers in the league this past season. He’s not flashy but the young man is coming off his best year with 42 catches for 552 yards and three touchdowns. His knowledge of Nagy’s scheme, particularly the route running concepts would be of huge benefit as the Bears revamp their entire receiving position from top to bottom.
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Zach Fulton (OL, 26-years old)
There could be some shuffling along the offensive line for the Bears this off-season. Nagy may wish to add more depth too. Zach Fulton not only brings starting experience with him from Kansas City. He also has played every position on the offensive line, though his primary focus is center and guard. He’s not a star but he’s proven more than adequate whenever called upon to replace a starter.
Mark Helfrich
Dion Jordan (EDGE, 27-years old)
The football life of Dion Jordan has been a remarkable roller coaster. He was a rising star coming out of Oregon with his freakish athletic prowess. Then he floundered in Miami, getting in trouble both on and off the field. Most thought his career was over before the Seattle Seahawks decided to give him another chance. He responded with four sacks in five games to end the season. Helfrich was the offensive coordinator at Oregon when Jordan was drafted and the Bears desperately need pass rush help.
Vic Fangio
Eric Reid (S, 26-years old)
Probably among the most frustrated players in the league right now is Eric Reid. It looked like he was destined for stardom during the first two years of his career. Between 2013 and 2014 he had seven interceptions, 19 passes defended, two recovered fumbles and reached a Pro Bowl. In the three seasons since then, he’s failed to match any of those numbers. Considering his best work was done with Fangio, it makes perfect sense he’d want to reunite.
Dontae Johnson (CB, 26-years old)
Another promising young defensive back who saw his progress slowed thanks to the loss of Fangio back in 2015. Dontae Johnson is a rangy corner at 6’2″, able to play the physic, press coverage style that Fangio covets for his system. With the Bears having three key corners set to become free agents, Johnson could be seen as an ideal quick fix if any of them were lost. He would likely be an upgrade over Marcus Cooper.
Aaron Lynch (EDGE, 24-years old)
As stated earlier the Bears need pass rush help. There was genuine excitement around Aaron Lynch when he was drafted back in 2014. Under Fangio’s tutelage, he managed six sacks as a rookie despite limited snaps. A year later as a full-time starter though he only got to 6.5. In the two seasons since as the coaches and schemes continued to change he has just 2.5 total. He needs a fresh start and Fangio already knows what he does well.
