Chicago Bears Free Agent Options: Cornerback
Starters:
Chris Culliver – 27, 49ers (6’0 | 199): Bounced back from an ACL injury in 2013 to finish as the 14th best corner in the NFL last season according to PFF. Culliver is a big, physical corner who is familiar with Vic Fangio’s scheme and could line up across from Kyle Fuller to give the Bears excellent size and physicality in the secondary. Culliver has had a positive grade from PFF in all three seasons he was on the field, but wasn’t a full-time starter until this past season. He has played his whole career under Fangio and new Bears DB coach Ed Donatell and could be reunited with them this season. Culliver could take the other starting CB spot across from Fuller allowing the Bears to move Jennings inside to the slot.
Perrish Cox – 28. 49ers (5’11 | 195): Like Culliver, Cox was a first-time starter last season for the 49ers and has played most of his career under Fangio & Dontell. He had a solid 2014 season with 5 INTs and 53 tackles and the 35th best grade out of 108 corners from PFF. Cox would give the Bears could depth on the outside and could push Tim Jennings inside if he can win a starting job.
Upside:
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Walter Thurmond – 28 (5’11 | 183): Started for the Seahawks in the 2013 Super Bowl, then signed a 1-year, $3.5M deal with the Giants but tore a pectoral muscle in week 2 and missed the rest of the season. Injuries have been a consistent problem for Thurmond which should keep his price low, but he is a physical slot corner whose press coverage skills would be a good fit in Fangio’s scheme. If the Bears are going to keep Jennings on the outside, Thurmond would give the Bears more experience in the slot if the new regime doesn’t think Demontre Hurst is ready to start.
Chris Cook – 28, 49ers (6’2 | 212): Another guy who missed most of last season with an injury. Cook was off to a good start last season (1.9 grade) before tearing his hamstring in week 7. He has ideal size and strength to play press corner in Fangio’s scheme but he hasn’t played up to his potential yet since being a 2nd round pick in 2010. Cook is strong in run support and has good instincts in coverage which could potentially lead to a move to free safety.