Chicago Bears – Remaining Free Agents (Defensive Backs)
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The first week of the 2015 NFL season is over and it has been pretty crazy with record setting free agency deals, more Pro Bowl players traded than I’ve ever seen before in an offseason, and most of the top free agents already off the board.
The Bears have made a few moves, though way less than most teams with $30 million plus in cap room like the Bears. New Bears GM Ryan Pace is taking a cautous, measured approach to free agency so far. In the short-term the Bears are missing out on the best players in free agency, but over the next few months when veteran players with high cap numbers are getting cut, the Bears will have more money than just about any team in the league to snatch up experienced vets who were recently good enough to deserve big contracts.
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The Bears haven’t been completely silent during free agency with three quality signings in OLB Pernell McPhee, S Antrel Rolle, and WR Eddie Royal, a couple of minor ones (G Ducasse, LS Gafford), and rumors that they are in the mix for a couple more players (Foster, Satele). Click the individual player links for a detailed breakdown, but this post is focused on remaining free agents who the Bears could be targeting.
All of the contract specifics have yet to be released so we don’t know exactly how much cap space the Bears have left, but Bears cap guru Cliff Stein is a wizard so I am predicting that the money will be there if there is mutual interest between the Bears and their target players.
I will be breaking down free agents options by position that I think would be good fits for the Bears in 2015 and beyond. Obviously they can’t sign all of these players, but the Bears should have enough cap room to potentially sign a few more players as contract demands drop significantly over the next few weeks.
Best Remaining: D-Line | O-Line | Skill Players | Defensive Backs | Linebackers
Free Agent Defensive Backs
Safety
Tashaun Gipson, Browns (24 | 5’11 | 205) – Was in the midst of a breakout season before injuring his MCL in week 12. Gipson was 2nd in the NFL with 6 INTs at the time and ranked as the 8th best safety in the league by PFF (10.3 grade). Gipson flourished in pass coverage this year, showing good instincts and ball skills. He is a restricted free agent and I’d be surprised if the Browns let him go, but the Bears should at least make an effort because Gipson has Pro Bowl potential and is only 24.
Dawan Landry, Jets (32 | 6’1 | 220) – Great size for a safety but versatile enough to play free safety when needed and is coming off his best season since 2010. Landry has had 100 tackles or more in four of the last five seasons and is a consistent run stopper. His instincts in pass coverage have improved with age and the added versatility could make him a good fit for Fangio’s scheme. With the Niners he often interchanged safeties to disguise coverages and a combination of Rolle and Landry would give Fangio that option and also improve the Bears run defense.
Rafael Bush, Saints (26 | 5’11 | 195) – Started seven consecutive games for the Saints last season after Jairus Bryd was injured and played pretty well (1.5) before breaking his tibia. Bush had been a solid backup the previous three seasons (10.4 grade) as well. He has good speed and excels in coverage, but is just decent against the run. Worst case Bush should be a solid special teams player who can play productive minutes in sub packages if needed.
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Jeromy Miles, Raven (28 | 6’2 | 210) – Former special teams standout who got some time in the starting lineup when Darian Stewart missed a few games. Miles graded out positively for the season (5.2) and made very few mistakes. Miles has great size and the versatility to play either strong or free safety which is a trait Fangio looked for in his safeties with the Niners. He doesn’t have much experience with just three career starts, but has showed potential when given a chance and is an excellent special teams player.
Louis Delmas, Dolphins (27 | 5’11 | 202) – Was injury prone for much of his early career, but has only missed 3 games over the last two seasons and has been an above average strong safety. He’s been consistently strong in coverage and is a big-hitter vs the run which has led to some of his previous injuries. Delmas has been primarily a strong safety, but is good enough in coverage to play deep if needed. He’s not an All Pro, but is considerably better than any safety the Bears employed last season.