The Chicago Bears have been busy over the past 24 hours. After making two signings on Thursday in cornerback Tavon Young and tight end Ryan Griffin, they ended up adding another name to the linebacking corps. Veteran Matthew Adams posted on his Instagram of him signing a contract with the team, making him the second new face at the position following the arrival of Nicholas Morrow a few weeks ago.
Adam arrived as a 7th round pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018. He was a defensive back at that point. Over time coordinator Matt Eberflus felt he might be a better fit as a linebacker. So Adams made the switch. While he never became a starter, he did serve as a part-time backup. He should make for solid depth behind Morrow and Roquan Smith. His true value will come on special teams. The 26-year old had a breakout year in the third phase with nine tackles on punt and kickoff coverage.
Didn't appear to be anything fancy. Matthew Adams comes off Jakob Johnson and blocks the punt. #Colts #Patriots pic.twitter.com/u43VEsE5zY
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 19, 2021
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Matthew Adams @all_in_adams – My first NFL snap, I made my first NFL play, on a big 3rd down. Should’ve been a pick 6. #TrustTheProcess #4verCoogs #3rdWard #htowntakeover #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/70U0Tc1p4L
— Coog Nation (@CoogNation247) August 15, 2018
GM Ryan Poles remains committed to his approach.
The Bears aren’t in the business of making splashes in free agency. They’re selective, hunting solid bargains that can help the team without overspending. It is hard to argue with the approach. Matthew Adams isn’t somebody that will deliver the highlights on Sundays, but his value will be felt at certain key points during the year. It may be a big tackle at the 15-yard line on a kickoff. Maybe it’ll be a blocked punt. He is capable of doing all of that.
Signings like this never get the attention but could prove all-important at the most unexpected times during a season. It only takes one big play to change the trajectory of years. Adams is committed to playing his part. He proved that in Indianapolis. Eberflus knows precisely the type of player and person he is. The Bears are getting a grinder. Somebody that will give everything he has.
Such players are worth keeping around.
