Oct 12, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Darryl Sharpton (53) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) preventing a catch during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Bears defeated the Falcons 27-13. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears offseason is in full swing as we head toward the start of the new league year and Free Agency. As a part of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we’re leading off by looking at Bears Free Agents. New GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have some tough decisions to make as they reshape the Bears roster in hopes of a bounce back 2015 season.
Darryl Sharpton, LB, 27
2014 Review
After spending the 2014 offseason with the Washington Redskins, Darryl Sharpton was released on September 22nd of last year. Sharpton was promptly signed by the Bears 3 days later and appeared in 5 games (with 2 starts) wearing orange and navy, recording 15 tackles and a pass deflection. Injuries ended his season prematurely, and Darryl Sharpton spent most of the season on IR. We never really got to see what Darryl Sharpton was capable of, but after looking at his previous career I don’t think we missed much.
Darryl Sharpton started his NFL career with the Houston Texans, who selected him in the 4th round (102nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft. Sharpton spent his entire rookie contract with the Texans, and his best year came in 2013 when he started 8 games and recorded 87 tackles. After his rookie contract expired, Houston was content to let Darryl Sharpton leave via Free Agency.
2015 Outlook
I find the question of whether or not Darryl Sharpton will be on Chicago’s roster next season to be largely irrelevant. While his experience in the 3-4 under Wade Phillips in Houston is intriguing with the Bears making a switch to a similar scheme, but we’ve likely seen what we’ll get from Darryl Sharpton at age 27. Sharpton is also a bit undersized at 5-11, 235. If he does get brought back, it will likely be in a backup capacity and, while Chicago could do much worse than Darryl Sharpton, they could also do a lot better. That having been said, I wouldn’t complain at all if the Bears brought him back at the veteran minimum salary.