Chicago Bears’ Free Agents- Who will return in 2016? Part One (Defense)
By John Vassar
In six weeks, the 2016 season begins for Ryan Pace. Over this time, Pace has to figure out who should remain on the roster from the Chicago Bears’ 23 pending free agents. Today, we will cover the defense, where there are 11 players that will hit free agency. We will also discuss players under contract that might be cut or traded.
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Here is a list of the defensive players that will enter free agency. I will make my comments after each name.
Alan Ball: He was injured off and on. He was given a chance to start and never seemed to find his footing. I suspect he will not be re-signed initially.
Shea McClellin: The enigma known as McClellin continues. He had yet another inconsistent season at his fourth position. Vic Fangio has expressed his belief in Shea, but is there really any talent on a consistent basis. I’d say its 50-50 he returns.
Ryan Mundy: Safety was still shaky last season, even with the decent play of rookie Adrian Amos. With Rolle coming back you might say no, but from a depth point of view, you have to consider Mundy. His previous deal was $1.5M and think Pace will offer the same on a prove it deal.
Tracy Porter: He overcame preseason injuries, got into a groove and played steady football. Made some huge plays down the stretch as well. Pace will re-sign him with a modest increase. He has earned it.
Sherrick McManis: McManis had a terrible season, even on special teams where he excels. He is on the bubble. If the Bears re-sign Chris Prosinksi and Mundy, he is gone. Maybe he will be back on minimum prove it deal but that is iffy at best.
Jarvis Jenkins: He came out like gangbusters, played some solid football then faded near seasons end. He has earned a contract and look for Pace to re-sign him. With Eddie Goldman at nose, the two could be the building blocks of a solid defensive line.
Sam Acho: Another one that played well and then his play became more inconsistent as the season wore on. He shared time with Lamarr Houston and others. Again, a good player that should be re-signed.
Chris Prosinski: He was signed during the season for his special teams ability. Then found himself playing at S when Rolle got injured. More often then not was over matched at S. If re-signed it will be for his special team capabilities and depth only. He is not a starting S.
Mitch Unrein: One of Fox guys from his Denver days and turned out to be a good signing. A steady rotation player on the defensive line, but really showed his stuff on red zone offensive blocking as a full back. Some of us would like to see him at RG, but he is that blue collar guy you want on the defensive line. I would be surprised if he wasn’t re-signed.
Sherrod Martin: He’s a special teams player and probably brought back for that purpose.
LaRoy Reynolds: He is a restricted free agent. Meaning the Bears can match any offer sheet. He showed flashes on defense and was used on special teams. I suspect he returns.
Of this group, Alan Ball is the one I see not being a Bear next season. The other question facing Pace is what to do with Lamarr Houston and Willie Young. I believe Houston found his legs in Fangio’s system and will return. Young stated he wanted to be on a 4-3 team, but still played well down the stretch. I can’t see Pace cutting Young, may try to trade him but I got to believe both are back in 2016.