Chicago Bears: Free Agency Day 2
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The Bears were quiet for most of day 2 which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, before confirming a couple of rumored signings late in the day. There were also some Bear related rumors and NFL cuts and signings that may impact the Bears plans moving forward. Here is a breakdown of the Bears news and significant free agent signings, salary cap casualties and rumors from day 2.
Bears News
1.) The Bears made the Pernell McPhee signing official today and McPhee was introduced to the media during a brief press conference. My favorite part was when McPhee was asked to give a scouting report of himself. His response, “I’m violent”. Sounds good to me.
2.) The Bears officially signed both WR Eddie Royal and S Antrel Rolle. Both deals were for three years but only the terms of Rolle’s deal have been released (3-years, $11.25M). I am happy with both signings and for an more in depth breakdown on each, click on the player’s name.
3.) I’m not sure if it was a leverage move to speed up the Rolle signing or if the Bears are considering signing both players, but the Bears brought in former Chiefs safety Ron Parker for a visit today. I covered Parker in depth yesterday. With the Bears lack of talent at safety, I hope the Bears are attempting to sign both players.
4.) Former Bears safety Chris Conte signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs today. I am still in shock that Lovie Smith is giving the Major Wright / Chris Conte safety combo another try after how bad they were in 2013. NFL South QBs should be excited.
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5.) I’m not just ripping on the Bucs again… The Conte signing could directly impact the Bears as it led to the release of safety Dashon Goldson. He’s been awful with the Bucs since signing a 5-year, $41M deal before the 2013 season, but the reason Goldson got that much money was his play for the 49ers in 2011-2012 under new Bears DC Vic Fangio. Goldson made the Pro Bowl both seasons and was named to the All-Pro first team in 2012. Over his last two seasons with the Niners he had 9 interceptions, 20 pass defenses, and averaged around 70 tackles per season. Goldson is 30 years old now and coming off two consecutive bad seasons, but is only two years removed from being a 1st team All-Pro, has great size (6’2, 201), familiarity with Fangio’s scheme, and has the versatility to play both the run and pass that Fangio requires in his safeties. Goldson’s price should be extremely reasonable after his struggles with the Bucs and he could be worth a flier from the Bears. He can’t be any worse than the safeties the Bears have put on the field the last three seasons.
6.) GM Ryan Pace spoke at length today and there were two items of note. First, Pace confirmed that Jay Cutler is going to the be the Bears QB in 2015. It may be that they just had no other options, but either way Cutler is going to get at least one more chance to prove he can lead the Bears to the playoffs. Secondly, Pace mentioned that Lamarr Houston will be playing OLB in the Bears 3-4 scheme next year. Houston has the versatility to play multiple different positions in Fangio’s scheme, as does McPhee, and as of today I think those are the two favorites for week 1 starters at OLB. That could obviously change if the Bears draft an elite edge rushing prospect in round 1 or if Houston’s recovery from an ACL injury takes longer than expected.