Chicago Bears: Available Free Agent DEs
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Tommy Kelly (34 | 6’6 | 300) – Suffered an ACL tear early in the 2013 season and after being released by the Patriots last offseason was considered done as an effective D-lineman, but the Cardinals signed Kelly immediately and he started 13 games at DE for one of the best defenses in the NFL. At 34 years old Kelly is certainly close to the end of his career, but proved he can still generate pass rush as a 3-4 DE with 31 QB hurries last season which was 5th among all 3-4 DEs and just 1 behind Ray McDonald who he could potentially replace for the Bears at LE. Kelly would only cost the Bears roughly a million on a veteran minimum one-year deal. There would be little risk for the Bears and if Kelly can play at the same level he did for the Cardinals he could be a valuable part of the DE rotation for the Bears and give them some security if their young players don’t develop as fast as hoped.
Da’Quan Bowers (24 | 6’3 | 280) – Has been a major bust for the Bucs after being a mid-2nd round pick in 2011, but has the size, power and athleticism to be a prototype LE in Fangio’s scheme. Bowers had another disappointing season for the Bucs last year, which included a 2 game suspension for performance enhancing drugs, and Tampa has already released him. Bowers got a tryout with the Saints at their mini-camp but didn’t make enough of an impression to earn a contract. On the bright side, Bowers played one of the best games of his young career in week 17 and you never know when the light bulb is going to go on for a young player. It’s a low risk move for the Bears with the type of upside that could speed up the rebuilding process. Bowers has the physical attributes to make an impact at the LE position in the Bears new defensive scheme and it would only take around $500k to find out if Bowers has anything left.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Barry Cofield (31 | 6’4 | 303) – Missed the first half of the 2014 season with a severe ankle sprain and then played the 2nd half with a torn labrum. Cofield’s play suffered in the 2nd half of last season, but the fact that he played through a major injury on a team going nowhere is impressive. His labrum required surgery this offseason and Cofield is expected to be healthy by July.
The Northwestern grad had the best season of his career in 2013 finishing with a respectable 9.5 grade from PFF and was credited with 29 QB hurries (9th in the league for DTs). He’s just mediocre against the run, but provides consistent pressure on QBs. The LE position in Fangio’s scheme with the Niners was manned by their best interior pass rusher (3-tech types) and Cofield could possibly be a good fit if he can get healthy and regain his 2013 form. He’s 31 but could have a solid season or two left in the tank.
Luther Robinson (23| 6’3 | 301) – Undrafted free agent out of Miami who was signed by the Packers after their rookie mini-camp last year. Not only did he make the team, but also appeared in 5 games before an injury (calf) ended his season. The Packers D-line was beat up by injury last season which forced Robinson into the lineup before he was ready, but he didn’t embarrass himself with 3 QB hurries and a batted pass in 66 snaps (roughly 1 game). The Packers re-signed B.J. Raji and Leroy Guiton this offseason, brought in three rookie D-lineman (Ringo, Hooks, Gaston) who can play DE, and get back last year’s 3rd round pick DE Khyri Thorton from injury. So the Packers are suddenly flush with DEs which left little room for Robinson who was released in May despite being signed to a 2-year deal last season.
Robinson played DE in a 3-4 at Miami, actually splitting reps with new Bears UDFA Olsen Pierre. Like Pierre, Robinson didn’t put up enough stats to gain the attention of scouts (40 tackles in 2 seasons), but has the size, strength, and athleticism (5.04 40-time, 30 bench reps) to hold his own at the NFL level as he proved in a brief stint with the Packers last season. Robinson has shown the ability to take on double teams, good enough hand work to shed blockers and make plays on the ball, the innate timing to put his hands into passing lanes at the right time, the strength to bull rush smaller O-linemen, and enough burst off the line to occasionally pressure QBs. He’s never going to put up impressive stats, but the Bears could use a DE who can occupy two blockers, bat down a few passes, and provide a stout presence against the run. Robinson would be a dirt cheap addition to the roster and proved last season with the Packers that he is serviceable enough to be part of an NFL D-line rotation.
Fili Moala (29 | 6’4 | 303) – Started 45 games for the Colts at RE in their 3-4 scheme before tearing his ACL before the start of the 2014 season. Moala should be ready to play again by the time training camp starts and could provide value for the Bears as a rotational DE. In 2013, his last fully healthy season, Moala started 6 games for the Colts at RE, but performed much better off the bench in small doses. Moala has elite strength and flashes enough athleticism to once be considered a potential #1 overall pick in the 2009 draft (Todd McShay). He ended up going in the 2nd round and his career has been a disappointment considering his talent level, but Moala is a useful NFL player when healthy. He won’t cost the Bears any more than the veteran minimum and they badly need depth at the position. A player like Moala who plays better in a rotational capacity is at least worth a look from the Bears.