Offensive Free Agents The Chicago Bears Should Target
By Tooch
Dec 8, 2013; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn (10) and fullback John Kuhn (30) during warmups prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 22-21. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In Part 1 of our free agent series, we took a look at the Top Free Agents The Chicago Bears Should Retain. This week, we’ll look at some of the free agents outside of the organization that the Bears should target:
Quarterback
1) Kellen Clemens (UFA) — Much like Josh McCown, Clemens is a journeyman quarterback who — at the age of 30 — has also been a backup for much of his career. Clemens took over for the injured Sam Bradford in St. Louis this season and has thrown for 1,358 yards and seven touchdowns, with five interceptions as well. Assuming the Bears can re-sign Jay Cutler, Clemens could be a solid backup in Marc Trestman’s system.
2) Matt Flynn (UFA) — Flynn has bounced around the last couple of years, but appears to be comfortable back home again in Green Bay. The Packers will likely re-sign him this offseason, but if they can’t, the Bears should pounce. He’s a more-than-capable backup who just wound up in bad situations on other teams.
Running Back / Fullback
1) John Kuhn (UFA) — If General Manager Phil Emery really wants to go big with the Bears’ offense, he should make a run at the current Packer fullback Kuhn. I would be shocked if Green Bay let him go, but if the Bears are serious about investing in Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, they should spend the money to protect them as well as possible. Kuhn brings tremendous short-yardage and goal line value with both his blocking and ball-carrying ability. However, he’s the most expensive fullback on the market, at more than a $2.5 million cap hit.
2) Tyler Clutts (UFA) — Many Bears fans will remember Clutts, who is technically the last fullback to be used by the Bears. Though the system has completely changed since his team with the team, his minimum-level salary and familiarity with many of the current players would greatly benefit the team.
3) Felix Jones (UFA) — There are several big name running backs hitting the market this offseason (such as Maurice Jones-Drew, Knowshon Moreno and Andre Brown), but the Bears are pretty set at the position. Jones would provide the Bears with some versatility and be able to contribute in the kick return game regardless of whether or not Devin Hester returns to the team. He has been part of a platoon in Pittsburgh, but still has some speed and pass-catching ability out of the backfield.