Fixing the Bears Defense (Part 4: NFL Free Agents)

Recommended Moves:

I think every player I’ve listed so far would improve the Bears in some capacity and they all should be at least close to within the Bears salary cap restrictions, but if I were running the show these next 5 players would be my priority targets. It might take some creative contract restructuring (sorry Julius!) or outright releases (Bush / Weems / E. Bennett) to sign them all, but it can be done.

1. DT Linval Joseph – Young, balanced DT who is a borderline Pro Bowl-er right now.

2. DE Lamarr Houston – Complete package at DE. Breakout year coming in 2014 wherever he ends up.

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

3. SS TJ Ward – Should be less expensive than Jairus Byrd and may be a better player.

4.  MLB Vincent Rey – Undersized play-maker would fill a major hole in the middle of the Bears defense.

5. CB Walter Thurmond – A gamble, but minimal investment could return a Pro Bowl CB if Thurmond can stay healthy and out of trouble.

Schedule:

Defensive Coordinator (1/6)

Defensive scheme: 3-4 (1/7)

Current Bear Free Agents: (1/8)

NFL Free Agents: (1/10)

Draft Picks – Defense: (1/15)

Twitter: @MikeFlannery_