There’s no question that cornerback Bryce Callahan is one of the Chicago Bears’ biggest offseason priorities. Some could argue he’s the biggest given how important nickel cornerbacks have become across the league. The general belief is the team wants him back but are playing it carefully so as to not overpay as can often happen.
The general fear is there will be a big market for Callahan when free agency opens on the 13th of March. This would inevitably drive up his price, making it more difficult for the Bears to retain him. However, it would appear things aren’t shaping up that way. Already there’s been an undercurrent of belief that the cornerback group this year could experience what the safeties did in 2018.
Basically players are left waiting on deals and don’t end up getting near the money they hoped for. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune seemed to confirm this while down at the scouting combine in Indianapolis.
“If they’re going to spend good money somewhere, this is the position, and Callahan is the best available player — one they know. The Bears likely will have competition for Callahan, but I expected more buzz about him over the weekend when talking with sources.”
Lack of talk around Bryce Callahan is great news for the Bears
While this may not be the best news for Callahan himself who is looking for a big payday, it’s potentially great for the Bears. It means the list of candidates that may make a strong push to get the cornerback isn’t overly big. That means the price could remain in a favorable range for the team. Rather than take a deal for only a few dollars more, just take theirs and stay home in Chicago. That could be their argument.
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It shouldn’t be a surprise that Callahan isn’t garnering tons of attention though. All one has to do is think about it. His interception numbers aren’t eye-popping. He’s 27-years old and he also has never finished a season in his NFL career without missing games due to injury. His stock is solid but it’s far from being able to command top cornerback money.
GM Ryan Pace knows this and undoubtedly is using that to his advantage. He’s willing to wager that nobody will make an all-out push to get Callahan and can then bring him back at an affordable number. He has done it multiple times already with Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara.
