The Chicago Bears knows they can’t repeat what they did in 2018 in terms of widespread sweeping offseason moves. They shot the majority of their ammunition in acquiring names like Khalil Mack, Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Trey Burton, and Taylor Gabriel. It’s not something they regret by any means.
However, it does mean their options for 2019 will be considerably more restricted. The economic approach likely means they focus on their in-house free agents and fill out the depth chart with an assortment of veteran bargains and the few draft picks they have. Then again they do have the means to create some extra salary cap space should they wish to make one more bold stroke to acquire top talent.
Remember that GM Ryan Pace is working in a window here. Mitch Trubisky’s QB contract is drawing closer. This is probably the best chance the Bears will have to spend big money at other positions while he’s still on his rookie deal. So if they do want to at least try to secure one more blue chip player, who are the names to watch and how much would they likely cost?
Scanning over the landscape, three names come to mind.
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Free at last, Free at last, Thank God Almighty I am free at last 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) February 20, 2019
Le’Veon Bell (RB) – $15 million per year
Bell believes he is more than just a great running back. He considers himself a multifaceted offensive weapon. A mix of a running back and a wide receiver. Thus he deserves to be paid that way. Top receivers make anywhere from $15-18 million. He’ll want to be in that range. Odds are given his age and the mileage on his body, he’d have to settle for the low end of that range, which would still make him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
There is no denying what he would be able to do in the Bears offense. He’s as good a runner or slightly better than Jordan Howard and light years ahead of him as a receiver. He is every Matt Nagy could want in a feature back.
Landon Collins (S) – $12 million per year
The buzz surrounding Collins in New York is really picking up. Belief is the New York Giants will use the franchise tag in order to keep the three-time Pro Bowler in place but GM Dave Gettleman is a wild card in this. He has a reputation for not liking to pay big money to defensive backs. Collin appears ready for a standoff, already indicating his intent to hold out if they do tag him.
The Bears’ interest should be obvious. Adrian Amos is set to become a free agent as well. The difference is Collins is a far bigger playmaker. He can do all the tackling and blitzing that Amos does but has more than double the interceptions (8 to 3) in his career. Despite missing five games with injury the past two years he will expect top safety money. Eric Berry is the highest-paid at $13 million. Collins likely goes slightly below that at $12 million.
Franchising Dee Ford would be good business in KC.
PFF's Michael Johnson explains why ⬇️ ⬇️ https://t.co/bxrHZNeZ9B pic.twitter.com/WWQRGvOY2c
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) February 20, 2019
Dee Ford (EDGE) – $18 million per year
With all due respect to Leonard Floyd, he’s not what one would consider a higher-end pass rusher. He’s decent. Good for around seven sacks every year. Great defenses though tend to have two edge rushers who can go for 10+. The Bears have one in Khalil Mack. So is it possible for them to score a second one?
Their best bet in that regard would be Dee Ford. The Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker had 13 sacks in 2018, the second time in three years he’s topped the double-digit mark. This puts him in position to make heavy demands on his next deal. With Olivier Vernon making $17 million and Ford having more sacks than him over the past three years? He will demand more. The Chiefs are expected to franchise tag him though.
