The Chicago Bears appear to have shifted their focus in free agency. After securing three notable names in Jimmy Graham, Robert Quinn, and Nick Foles they’ve since focused entirely on bargain options. Players who can be good depth and hopeful standouts on special teams. Doesn’t this mean they’re done making any additions who can fill needs? Not necessarily. It all comes down to finding the right player at the right price.
While the market is emptying fast, there’s always a handful of names who linger out there for longer than they should. These names could be had at the right price if the Bears play their cards right. Here are a few worth watching on both sides of the ball.
Bargain free agents who can still help the Chicago Bears
Cameron Erving (OT)
One should never underestimate the value of versatility on the offensive line. While Erving has never quite lived up to his status as a 1st round pick, he became quite the swiss army knife for the Kansas City Chiefs over the past three years. In that time he logged snaps at both guard spots and left tackle as well. The Bears need depth at all of those positions, especially with Cornelius Lucas signing elsewhere. His familiar with Matt Nagy certainly won’t hurt his cause either.
Geoff Swaim (TE)
It really felt like Swaim was ready to finally emerge after spending four seasons as a reserve tight end in Dallas. Then one game into his 2019 season with the Jaguars saw Nick Foles go down with his shoulder injury. Gardner Minshew came in and never tried to utilize the tight ends much. Now Swaim is back on the market. He is a big guy, can run pretty well, has solid hands and is a competent blocker. His familiarity with Foles also helps. Adding him would give the Bears a totally revamped position with Jimmy Graham, Trey Burton, and Demetrius Harris.
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Deone Bucannon (ILB)
A productive player through the first five seasons of his career, Bucannon served as a hybrid type who could play both safety and inside linebacker. He makes tackles and has ability to apply pressure on the blitz. Unfortunately, turnover with the coaching staff in Arizona saw him bounce between two different teams last season. He’s only 27 and a former 1st round pick. The guy has ability. Chicago just lost a ton of depth with Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis leaving. Bucannon could plug that void for a year.
Tony Jefferson (S)
If not for an untimely knee injury last year, Jefferson would still be employed. When healthy he is one of the best strong safeties in the NFL. An aggressive and physical player who can make stops against the run and brings a ton of heat when turned loose on blitzes. He would be the ideal complement to Eddie Jackson on the back end for Chicago. With Deon Bush looking like the starter at this point, it can’t hurt for the Bears to give him a shot since his price tag is low.