The Chicago Bears defense is starting to become something serious again. It finished in the top 10 for the first time since 2012. That’s exceptional progress considering where it was back in 2014. Arguably the worst in franchise history. Much of that credit goes to coordinator Vic Fangio. His tireless work and ability to develop players have paid huge dividends. Unfortunately, he may have a big challenge coming up.
Free agency is always a tricky time of year. For the Bears, it may get especially interesting at the cornerback position. Four of their key players at that spot is set to come out of contract. They include three starters in Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan along with special teams ace Sherrick McManis.
Odds are they’ll bring back at least a couple of those guys this off-season. That said there’s a chance one or two could hit the market. That would put corner higher on their list of position needs to fill. Given the QB-stacked NFC they need as many as they can get. Recent word is they may already be planning alternatives.
David Amerson could thrive on Chicago Bears defense under Fangio
The Oakland Raiders made waves early this off-season by choosing to cut cornerback David Amerson. The 26-year old former second round pick spent three seasons with the team as a starter after being cut by Washington. A foot injury limited him to six games in 2017. With the arrival of a new coaching staff, it’s clear his standing had sunk considerably. Now he’s back on the market and the Bears are hot on the trail.
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Free agent CB David Amerson, released yesterday by the #Raiders, is already garnering serious interest. He’s visiting the #Bears tomorrow, source said. Other FA visits are scheduled.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2018
Amerson would make for an intriguing addition. He’s still young but already has five seasons of starting experience. He has length and athleticism, playing an aggressive style that would fit what the Bears do. Fangio is notorious for taking in veteran defensive backs who floundered elsewhere and making them effective. Prior to this past season, it looked like Amerson was emerging as a top corner. Between 2015 and 2016 he had six interceptions and a defensive touchdown for the Raiders.
Still, he suffered from consistency issue. Something that kept him out of the first round of the draft and why he was cut in Washington. Keeping Fuller and Amukamara would be preferable for this cornerback situation. Amerson would make for good depth, perhaps an upgrade over what the Bears hoped they were getting from Marcus Cooper.
In that context, this would be a good move. Perhaps Fangio could make it a great one in time.
