The Chicago Bears have kept their focus on two areas to start free agency. One is the defensive front seven, and the other is the offensive line. That isn’t a surprise since both were terrible in 2022. They added two quality linebackers in Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. DeMarcus Walker joins the defensive line as a versatile inside-outside presence. Last but not least comes Nate Davis, an athletic and violent guard from Tennessee. Not bad work from GM Ryan Poles thus far. However, he still has work to do.
One spot that could use a boost is cornerback. The Bears have Jaylon Johnson as a solid #1 option. Rookie Kyler Gordon made a lot of progress down the stretch last season. Their secondary would be set if Chicago could find one more quality piece. A source informed SM that the team is very interested in 25-year-old veteran Byron Murphy. The former 2nd round pick spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, emerging as one of their most reliable players in the secondary.
Murphy is exactly what the Chicago Bears covet.
He is smart, instinctive, athletic, and physical. Last season was tough for him as he missed eight games with a back injury. However, 2021 was his best season, with four interceptions, 12 passes defended, and a forced fumble. What stands out the most is his versatility. He can play inside or outside. That would give the Bears tons of flexibility, along with Gordon. There is no question he would be a significant upgrade over Kindle Vildor or anybody else they have on the roster.
The challenge is the price tag. Young corners can be expensive. The Chicago Bears are hoping he will drop his demands a little from where they currently are. It remains to be seen if another team meets his demand. The longer this plays out, the more it favors Poles. Adding Murphy would knock out another roster need for the Bears as the draft draws closer. As always, negotiations are fluid and things change fast. There is no doubt he can help the team if it goes through.
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Lambert you have no basis in knowledge to say that “the longer this guy is unsigned the more it favors Poles” – again, HYPERBOLE! Who do you think the kid will sign with, IF the Bears offer is basically the same as a team with a winning record? C’mon man! All things equal the team with the better record will get him, since he has no history with coming from Chicago or having played for any of the Bears coaches!
We still have the most available cap in the NFL after all of yesterday’s signings. Plus 10 picks. We are fine. Not to mention a ton of good players that will be cut post June 1.
The problem is there isn’t great value in the trenches in FA – so many teams overpaid for a bunch of stiffs. If Poles doesn’t sign O. Brown or upgrade at tackle before the draft, I hope he drafts P. Johnson at 9 or trades back for trench help where there is a lot of value and he now has a lot of picks. This guy is measured and we are in good hands. Bear down!
Im just gonna trust poles and co and assume they didnt see many game changers available on the d line this free agency so instead of paying for mid theyre making upgrades all over the roster instead of forcing signings at out weakest links.
Another position way down in the needs department…. where is the help for the trenches????