It feels like the Chicago Bears free agency run has peaked. Their initial rush through the first couple days couldn’t have gone much better. They secure two tremendous wide receivers in Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel. Both of which offer different styles that should compliment each other. Trey Burton adds zest to tight end. Prince Amukamara and Kyle Fuller are back on long-term deals. Even Cody Parkey seems like an upgrade at kicker.
The salary cap situation for the Bears isn’t suddenly bad, but it’s unlikely they do any more big deals this year. Not with so many roster spots left to fill. Odds are GM Ryan Pace will see if he can start scooping up some potential bargains. Players who might be getting overlooked for one reason or another but can help the team as either depth or short-term starters at key positions.
Here are some names still out there who could end up being quality contributors.
Bargain Chicago Bears Free Agency Targets
Charles Sims (RB)
It really feels like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers forgot how to utilize the talents of Charles Sims properly. He was an outstanding reserve back in 2015, posting 500 yards both rushing and receiving, showcasing his unique versatility. He was often compared to Matt Forte during the draft. Since then though the team never tried hard enough to use him more save as a pass-receiving back. Matt Nagy might be able to find a place for him.
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Jack Mewhort (OG)
There’s typically a reason good players last long on the free agent market. They either have some off-the-field issues or health concerns. For Jack Mewhort it’s the latter. Otherwise, he would’ve been nabbed long ago. After staying healthy for the most part through his first two seasons, Mewhort has missed a combined 17 games between 2016 and 2017 with various injuries. That’s such a shame too because when he’s good to go, he’s a quality blocker both in pass protection and on the ground. He’d make great competition at guard this year.
Still deciphering through the list of potential free agents that may interest MIN. Jack Mewhort (RG #75) continues to impress me. pic.twitter.com/LzhLZ9K7pB
— J.R. (@JReidDraftScout) February 27, 2018
Kony Ealy (EDGE)
Ealy is such a frustrating case. It looked like for two-straight seasons in 2015 and 2016 he was almost on the cusp of breaking out as a defensive end for the Carolina Panthers. His three-sack performance in the Super Bowl is a perfect example of this. Yet he couldn’t quite reach that next level and then injury slowed him in 2017. He’s still just 26-years old. The Bears are desperately thin at edge rusher, even after signing Aaron Lynch a few days ago. Ealy could help ease that problem further.
NaVorro Bowman (ILB)
This is a familiar name for Vic Fangio. When the two were last together, Bowman was ranked as one of the top inside linebackers in football. Then he tore up his knee. By the time he got back Fangio was gone. Since then the veteran moved on to Oakland where he had a decent year in 2017 helping to solidify the Raiders run defense. He made 89 tackles, and also had 1.5 sacks and an interception. If the Bears aren’t sure about their inside linebacker position, he could be a big help on a short-term deal.
Jay Bromley (DT)
Losing Mitch Unrein wasn’t a surprise, but it does potentially hurt the Bears depth at defensive line. Akiem Hicks played way too many snaps in 2017. They have to work towards easing his load somehow. Jay Bromley was a capable reserve at defensive tackle the past few years for the New York Giants. His ability to get up the field as a pass rusher and also hold against the run is underrated qualities. He’s likely not a starter but if you want someone who can give Hicks a blow for a handful of snaps he can.
.@TreBos10 gets the INT for the 5⃣th time this season! #OAKvsLAC pic.twitter.com/6td0t1oI4E
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) December 31, 2017
Tre Boston (S)
This might be one of the most confusing and fascinating players on the market. Tre Boston had a breakout year in 2017 as one of the best coverage safeties in the NFL, snagging five interceptions. He’s had seven the past two years. At age 25 one would think he’d be off the market in a blink. So what’s the problem? Namely, Boston is a liability against the run. Many times he’s been caught on film taking terrible angles to the football. So any team signing him would have to keep that in mind. Fangio would want him on the field for obvious passing situations where he can add more ballhawking skill to that secondary.
