Chicago Bears Week 10 Free Agent Stock Watch
By Tooch
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) throws a touchdown pass to Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (not pictured) during the second half at Soldier Field. Detroit defeats Chicago 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
More noticeable than that enormous knot on Jay Cutler’s hand, it’s your Chicago Bears week 10 free agent stock watch:
RISING
Josh McCown
I am convinced that had McCown played the entire fourth quarter on Sunday, the Bears would be in first place right now. Call it wishful thinking or over-analyzing, but nobody can deny that McCown has been extremely consistent during his playing time and has played mistake-free, smart football. As Jay Cutler continues to struggle with various injuries, the Bears will look to McCown yet again to come in and start for them this weekend against Baltimore. He’s the right man for the job and the right man to keep on the team for the next couple of years in the Marc Trestman offense.
Corey Wootton
The Bears’ defensive line still isn’t playing great football, but Wootton is beginning to heat up and played a solid game against the Lions — as Boomer mentioned in his article on Sunday. Playing in the three-technique, away from his usual defensive end position, Wooton has done a great job of splitting through potential blockers and creating havoc in the backfield. The impending debut of Jeremiah Ratliff, as well as Shea McClellin’s return from injury, should help Wootton move back to his more comfortable position on the field and get rest on the sidelines when needed. The Bears need to strongly consider moving to a 3-4 defense this offseason, and Wootton would be a great fit at defensive end opposite Julius Peppers.
Craig Steltz
Steltz hasn’t done much to earn a spot in this category, outside of a few nice plays on special teams. But the consistently poor play of starting safeties Major Wright and Chris Conte should cause the Bears to give even more consideration to re-signing Steltz this offseason. He doesn’t have the talent to start at either safety position, but he provides key depth and stability. In addition, Eric Weems and Blake Costanzo — both consider special teams “aces” — need to be let go this offseason, opening the door for Steltz to take over as captain of the special teams units.