The Chicago Bears know they don’t have a ton of resources to throw around this offseason. This is thanks to what they did last year. They spent a ton of money and draft picks via free agency and trades in order to bulk up their roster to what they hope is championship caliber. Most feel this is a good team with a chance to be better in 2019. However, they may be one or two moves away from truly contending.
The hope is that defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano can help. Mostly this will be in regards to how he operates with the players he has. The Bears defense is already talented. All Pagano has to do is put them in the best position to succeed and let them hunt. However, there is a possibility he could also help elsewhere.
This being in the player acquisition department. While the Bears may not be able to make any splashy moves this offseason, it’s possible they could try for some underrated gems that can at least help them for this year. One name that nobody is thinking of is one who Pagano would certainly know how to maximize.
Chicago Bears could get big benefits from reuniting Pagano with Terrell Suggs
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Most fans will scoff at the idea of the Bears signing a player who turns 37-years old this year. That’s not hard to understand. The NFL is widely viewed as a game for the young. Men that age are considered ancient. However, players like Terrell Suggs tend to prove that it’s often just a number.
The longtime star outside linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens is a free agent this year. It’s not known whether the team will bring him back for another year or if they may just decide to move on since they have other key defensive players who need new contracts. If this is true, Suggs will be given two options: retire or seek out another team that might give him one more chance at a ring.
If it’s the latter, then the Bears instantly become the desired spot. Not only do they play a 3-4 system which he’s been in his entire career. They also employ a coach he’s been a fan of for years. Pagano was his defensive coordinator in 2011 and Suggs admitted he was disappointed they only had one season together.
So from his perspective, it’s great, but why would the Bears be interested?
One thing is for sure. Players that age will not be able to demand big contracts. They could likely get him on a cheap one-year deal. Don’t forget the Bears are looking for a possible third pass rusher with Aaron Lynch becoming a free agent. Suggs, despite his age, had seven sacks last season. There have been plenty of times where older pass rushers gave big boosts to defenses
- 2015 – Dwight Freeney gives Arizona 8 sacks at age 35 (NFC championship)
- 1997 – Kevin Greene gives 49ers 10.5 sacks at age 35 (NFC championship)
- 1997 – Chris Doleman gives 49ers 12 sacks at age 36 (NFC championship)
- 2017 – Julius Peppers gives Carolina 11 sacks at age 37 (Playoffs)
Suggs isn’t the dominant force he was but he is a wily veteran who still knows how to get to the quarterback. His vast experience in the playoffs would also be a huge help to a young team trying to take that next step. Getting a chance to team with Khalil Mack would also be something he’d love to do as well.
