Chicago Bears Sign CB Alan Ball
Sep 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Alan Ball (23) intercepts a pass in the end zone against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears continue to be active in the secondary free agent market, adding veteran cornerback Alan Ball to the 2015 roster on a one-year contract. Ball was drafted in the 7th round of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Illinois. He spent his first 5 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, starting off on the practice squad before emerging as a special teams standout. The Cowboys moved Ball to free safety where he started 16 games in 2010, recording 45 tackles, 2 INT’s, 2 forced fumbles, 4 passes defensed and half a sack. He lost his starting safety spot and moved back to cornerback the next season, but was not re-signed by the Cowboys.
Ball reunited with Wade Phillips in Houston and spent the 2012 season with the Texans. He started one game at corner but was second on the team in special teams tackles with 13. He was not brought back and signed with Jacksonville in March of 2013. He was named starting cornerback and started 15 games while finishing with career-highs in passes defensed (14), tackles (47) and interceptions (2). Ball’s 2014 season was shortened by a season ending biceps injury before hitting free agency.
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In all, Ball has started 44 games over eight seasons while tallying 178 tackles, 6 picks, 34 pass break-ups, 2 FF’s to go with 1 fumble recovery. Last season, in limited action, Ball was ranked the 40th cornerback by ProFootball Focus. At 6’2″ 197 pounds, Ball has the size to match up with the bigger receivers and has the ability to play some press coverage. He provides valuable experience and depth to a cornerback group that may be missing their elder statesman, Charles “Peanut” Tillman who may not be brought back after 12 decorated seasons with the Bears. Ball will join 2014 starters Kyle Fuller and Tim Jennings and up and comer Demontre Hurst in the mix for snaps at cornerback. With the emergence of wide open passing attacks, all should see plenty of action this season.
It’s been a busy week for Ryan Pace and John Fox. They added defenders with something to prove on one year deals like Jarvis Jenkins, Mason Foster and Ray McDonald to Vic Fangio’s rebuilding defense.