Could Cowboys Castoff Jay Ratliff Help the Chicago Bears?

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff (90) celebrates making a tackle during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  That axiom could be very relevant when it comes to the Chicago Bears and recently released Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Jay Ratliff.   For a team decimated by injuries along the defensive line, a recovering former Pro Bowler could be just the cure for what ails them.

Ratliff is a nine-year veteran defensive tackle, drafted out of Auburn in the ninth round.  He turned out to be a bargain for the Cowboys, making Pro Bowl appearances for them from 2008 – 2011, including an All Pro season in 2009.

The Cowboys released Ratliff off the PUP list, claiming that he failed a physical.  We’ve seen situations before where a player fails a physical with one team but yet miraculously passes a physical elsewhere.

The relationship between the Cowboys and Ratliff was said to be “strained.”  By cutting Ratliff, the Cowboys saved themselves part of $1.4 million base salary.  He’ll count nearly $7 million in dead cap space for the Cowboys next season.

Bears tight end Martellus Bennett was a teammate of Ratliff’s just a couple of seasons ago.  Bennett tweeted at Ratliff, which further sparks curiosity.

A follower tweeted back at Bennett that Ratliff was injured…

To which Bennett followed up…

Ratliff’s agent claims that his client definitely wants to play football again and that several teams have inquired about Ratliff’s availability.  Let’s hope the Bears are one of those teams.