The Chicago Bears pass rush isn’t likely something that will get solved for them this year. Not unless somebody unexpected steps up or they are willing to take a calculated risk on bringing another player in who might help. Hopes remain high for the former with names like Aaron Lynch and Isaiah Irving getting the early buzz. The latter though remains on the table.
It’s unlikely GM Ryan Pace will make an aggressive trade of any sort. He’s never been the type to give away draft assets for veteran players. Instead he may try to scrounge the bargain bin for some overlooked talent, something he was quite good at in New Orleans and has been (at times) in Chicago.
This would mean keeping an eye out for potential cuts from other teams in the coming months as roster begin to whittle down from 90 to 53. Based on recent predictions, there may be one that’s about to become available who could help them.
Chicago Bears pass rush may benefit from gamble on Lorenzo Mauldin
Rich Cimini of ESPN is of the belief that the New York Jets may be ready to move on from outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin. They seem to have grown impatient waiting for him to get things going and may just go in a different direction.
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“The former third-round pick flashed pass-rushing potential as a rookie (four sacks in limited play), but he regressed in 2016 and missed last season because of back surgery. He still has a chance to salvage his Jets career, but it won’t be easy as a classic tweener who lacks ideal explosiveness.”
It’s such an unfortunate turn of events for Mauldin. He had 16.5 sacks for Louisville over his final two seasons and flashed serious potential. One could argue he didn’t end up in the most ideal situation with the Jets and the injuries only made things worse. That shouldn’t stop the Bears from kicking the tires if he’s cut loose in August.
Mauldin is known for outstanding football character and a relentless drive. He couples that with good base strength and a strong array of moves that help him beat tackles both inside and outside. Throw in his ability to play the run and this is the sort of versatile defender that Bears coordinator Vic Fangio has gotten lots out of in the past.
If nothing else he would be a cheap flier who can bolster the depth at a razor-thin position. With a little luck he might recapture some of that magic he had in college.
