Chicago Bears Free Agency Targets (Part 2)
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
MLB Pat Angerer, Colts (27, $2M) – Another injury risk who can’t seem to stay healthy but is very productive when on the filed. Angerer is a better fit for a 4-3 then the 3-4 scheme he has been playing in and he might be looking to join a 4-3 team for a little more protection from DTs. Angerer has great instincts and above average sideline-to-sideline speed. He would be a good fit for the middle of the Bears defense and could provide the leadership and play-calling ability that has been solely missed since Urlacher left. A checkered medical history will drive Angerer’s price down enough that he will be affordable for the Bears and he would be an upgrade over DJ Williams and Bostic if he can stay on the field. Angerer is my top choice in this tier due to his potential, price, and the fact that Bears need a significant upgrade at MLB.
MLB Desmond Bishop, Vikings (30) – Yet another player who has struggled with injures the last two seasons. Bishop was one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL in 2010-2011, but has missed most of the last two seasons (hamstring & ACL). Bishop would be a low-cost, low-risk signing who could pay huge dividends if he can stay healthy. The fact that he spent the last two seasons on the Packers & Vikings rosters doesn’t hurt either. If Bishop is 75% of the player he was in 2010-2011, then the Bears would have an upgrade at MLB.
CB Corey Graham, Ravens (29. $3M) – Remember this guy? The Bears had him for 5 years and refused to play him on anything other than special teams. He left to sign a two-year deal with the Ravens and started 17 games the last two seasons. Graham finished with a positive grade from PFF the last two years and could be a solid 2nd CB for the Bears.
CB Asante Samuel, Falcons (33, $1.5M) – Has started to show his age the last two seasons, but the Bears zone scheme asks less of corners than most schemes and if he was used properly (30-40 snaps per game) could have value as a rotational corner. The Bears will miss Tillman’s toughness and play-making and those are two traits Samuel has always had even if he is a step slower now.
S Louis Delmas, Lions (26, $3M) – Anytime you can get better while hurting a rival, then you should at least look into it right? Delmas is injury-prone; He’s missed 13 games in the last 3 years, but played all 16 in 2013. When healthy, Delmas is a Pro Bowl caliber safety. He is a play-maker in coverage and will make an occasional big-hit against the run. It seems like Delmas has been a Lion for a while, but he’s only 26 and would be a good investment for the Bears at a position that has been a weak spot since Mike Brown retired.