It became evident almost right away that changes were coming to the Chicago Bears defensive lineup when they allowed linebacker Jack Sanborn to walk. It had nothing to do with money. The team could’ve easily kept the former undrafted free agency for pennies. This was a deliberate decision by new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He didn’t see Sanborn as a good fit for what he wanted from linebackers in his new system. History says it would have to be somebody with more range and coverage prowess.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report seems to think there is a name to watch on the free agent market that fits the profile. That is former Indianapolis Colts 5th round pick E.J. Speed.
We saw an early run on off-ball linebackers in free agency, but Indianapolis Colts standout E.J. Speed wasn’t among the initial signings.
This could be due to the fact that Speed was only a two-year defensive starter in Indy and will turn 30 in June. He can also be a bit inconsistent in the tackling department and was credited with 31 missed tackles over the last two seasons.
However, Speed is still a starting-caliber linebacker with adequate coverage skill and an ability to position himself around the football. He recorded 142 tackles and 93 solo stops last year and logged 244 tackles over his last two seasons.
Speed can slot in as a starting linebacker or a high-end rotational player and can also provide special-teams value.
Best Fits: Chicago Bears
Speed makes sense.
His 6’4 size makes him a great fit for the SAM linebacker spot, which Sanborn just vacated. He’s demonstrated improving ability in coverage over the past two years with an interception and nine pass defenses. There were also flashes of blitzing ability, something else Allen covets.
Jack Sanborn was merely the first domino to fall.
It wouldn’t be shocking if Allen unveils further tweaks to the roster in the coming weeks and months. The NFL draft will tell us a lot about what he has planned. Keep in mind that T.J. Edwards is in the last year of his current contract. Will the Bears re-sign him or perhaps go hunting for an eventual replacement? There is also a possibility that Tremaine Edmunds could be unloaded after this season with his contract no longer a major concern. Jack Sanborn was merely the first sacrifice in what figures to be a soft reboot of the Bears’ defense. Allen knows what he’s doing. He has been through the process multiple times in the past. If Speed is the kind of player he wants, there should be no issue landing him.
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Big mistake if they do not resign Jack, if he wants to come back.
But like Teven and Justin, he is smart to leave and not look back at three failed Bears years under inept Poles and his putrid cabal.
Speed is illegal so guess you will have to die
Give me speed or give me death.
So he’s 30, doesn’t have much experience, and is among the worst tacklers? Yes, please, sign me up for that! How about wait until April 28 and sign Sandborne again?
Allen and Poles just added Nick McCloud, a 4.37 CB who played with the 49ers.
If you go man coverage, with the fast WRs in the NFC North, you need guys with speed better than most receivers.
He’s just a depth guy and special teamer, I’m sure. But, if someone gets injured, he could prove to be a smart pickup.