The Chicago Bears remain unusually quiet on the free agent market of late. It’s been days since they inked Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to his one-year deal. Since then they’ve made two moves, all of them minor. They re-signed punter Pat O’Donnell and third-string quarterback Tyler Bray. Aside from that? Nothing. It’s leading some to wonder if they’re doing anything at all.
Of course they are. The simple fact is the free agent market has slowed down after the initial flurry a week ago. There are still plenty of good players out there and the longer it stays that way, the cheaper their prices are likely to become. GM Ryan Pace is playing a careful negotiating tactic, seeing if he can get some of them at the Bears’ price.
A name they seem to be playing this tactic with is one of their own in outside linebacker Aaron Lynch. According to Brad Briggs of the Chicago Tribune, there is interest in bringing him back after a decent showing in 2018 that included three sacks and an interception.
“I believe the Bears would like to re-sign the outside linebacker. I would not be surprised if the Broncos and coach Vic Fangio have interest in him as well. One source suggested Lynch was seeking $5 million per season before the start of free agency. He might not get that. We’ll have to see where the market goes for him, but he’s definitely got interest.”
Chicago Bears likely keeping Aaron Lynch option open as a backup plan
Lynch is still only 25-years old and despite his modest sack numbers, he affected the quarterback a lot. He was also a reliable run defender. His problem has been health issues. Something that has dogged him since his final seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. With the edge rusher market still relatively strong, the Bears no doubt might be seeking options they view as greater impact possibilities.
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That said, it would be unwise to completely burn the bridge with Lynch. By expressing their interest in bringing him back, they leave the option open in case he doesn’t get any offers he likes from other teams. Simply staying in Chicago where he knows the players at what would be a modest pay raise might sound more appetizing than a modest pay raise and having to switch uniform for the second time in two years.