The loss of Vic Fangio was always going to be tough for the Chicago Bears. He’s one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL. One does not simply lose a man of that caliber and expect things to stay the same. Granted, they did a fine job in securing a replacement. Chuck Pagano is experienced, intelligent, and noted for his ability to elevate his players. The defense should be fine.
That said, people might be glossing over something. The loss of Fangio may not be reserved only to the coaching aspect of things. Not enough are giving credence to the idea that he may turn right around with his new team and start plucking players from the Bears roster. Key players such as Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan.
This isn’t out of vindictiveness of course. It’s part of the free agency game. The Bears did it back in 2015 when they swiped Danny Trevathan from Denver. Turnabout is fair play and all that. Worse still, the Broncos are in perfect position to deliver a tough blow to the Bears defense this coming season.
Vic Fangio is in great position to recruit Adrian Amos and/or Bryce Callahan
Money is always the primary driving force in free agency. However, players aren’t stupid. They do their own research regarding teams who might be good fits for them. That’s how Allen Robinson ended up in Chicago. The Bears could be facing a big issue on both fronts as Fangio is poised to steal not one but both of their key remaining free agents in Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
It should be expected the #Broncos target and prioritize (and I would say odds on favorite to obtain) Adrian Amos this offseason. Even with the news of Landon Collins hitting the market, I expect Amos to be the main target for the No Fly Zone under Vic Fangio and Ed Donatell.
— Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) February 20, 2019
Remember that both of them were developed by Fangio from the beginning. They know his defense inside and out. Denver also has the decisive advantage in cap space with over $37 million. They could sign both players if they wished. Not to mention the added allure of playing behind a pass rush that features Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.
That covers every possible counterargument to either of them leaving. Sure staying in Chicago and not uprooting their families would be preferable. Still, the financial part of the equation is always at the forefront of such things. Maximizing their money at this point is what they are focused on, and that’s perfectly within their right. They know the Bears aren’t going to use the franchise tag on either of them.
This means if the Broncos come calling with even modestly better deals, the odds of them jumping ship for Denver go through the roof.
