Bears GM Phil Emery Says Okoye “Going in Different Direction”

Every few days, you’d see a tweet come through about Chicago Bears defensive tackle Amobi Okoye scheduling a free agent visit with the Bengals or Bucs.  He hasn’t been offered a contract anywhere else yet, but Bears GM Phil Emery indicated his days in Chicago could be numbered.  In a special conference call with season ticket holders, Emery was asked about Okoye’s status:

"“Right now, Amobi is trying to decide which direction he is going,” Emery said. “We’ve had conversations with him. So far, we have not been able to work out a deal. Amobi is probably going in a different direction.”"

It’s a shame if they let Okoye walk, because he did a really nice job in the under-tackle role spelling Henry Melton.  He came here on a one year deal last offseason and might have been the best free agent from the 2011 class, unless you’re looking for a wanna-be drug kingpin or a wide receiver who can’t catch very well.

If Okoye does walk, it’s yet another hole for the Bears to try to fill in the upcoming draft.  It’s becoming clear that they are in the market for a defensive end, linebacker and cornerback at a minimum.  That’s not to mention some help on the offensive line and the obligatory safety that they’re sure to draft.

What do you think?  Should the Bears try to sign Okoye, who seemed to finally “get it” when put in the right role as the 3-technique in the Cover-2?  Do you think they can find someone as good or better in the draft?