Options for Chicago Bears Open Roster Spot
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DE Red Bryant – Massive 5-tech DE who has been one of the best run stuffing ends in the NFL over the last few seasons. Bryant’s play declined a little last year in his first season with the Jags which could be due to his age or the fact that he went from a perennial winner in Seattle to depressing losers in Jacksonville. The Jags signed him last offseason to a 4-year, $19M deal, but released him this offseason before his roster bonus kicked in. A slight decline in play could have had something to do with the release, but Bryant’s hefty cap number and the additions of Jared Odrick and Tyson Alualu probably had more to do with it.
Originally a 4th round pick by the Seahawks in 2008, Bryant struggled for 3 seasons as a DT until Pete Carroll took over and moved Bryant to the 5-tech DE position that he has excelled at ever since. His unusual size and long arms for a DE gives Bryant an advantage in controlling 2 gaps on the edge and effectively controlling the run game. He has enough power to drive tackles into the backfield, setting the edge and forcing running backs inside, and enough quickness to disengage from tackles to attack ball carriers who attempt to run around him.
Bryant was very effective as a DE in the Seahawks hybrid scheme which is fairly similar to what Vic Fangio ran in San Fran. Bryant could slide into the RE spot that Justin Smith held with the Niners and allow the Bears to move Jay Ratliff to LE where his pass rushing ability would be more effective.
CB Tarell Brown – Solid veteran corner with experience playing in Fangio’s scheme. Brown struggled with the Raiders last season, but a new scheme and lack of pass rush were factors. Reuniting Brown with Fangio could get him back to his 2013 form when he was PFF’s 31st ranked corner overall. Brown, 30 years old, should still have a couple good years left and could give the Bears a starting quality backup who can play outside or in the slot if needed.
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G John Moffitt – A former 3rd round pick of the Seahawks in 2011 after being named to the All-American team as a senior at Wisconsin. Moffitt started at guard the majority of his first two years in the league before his career took a weird turn before the 2013 season. Moffitt was initially traded to the Browns, but after a dispute about restructuring his contract the trade was rescinded. The Seahawks then traded Moffitt to the Broncos where he played under new Bears HC John Fox for about half a season before he surprisingly retired. Moffitt stated that he retired due to health concerns and disappointment over being a “commodity”. He had some issues during his time away from football including a legal issue involving drugs and alcohol that resulted in some jail time for Moffitt during his time brief retirement.
Moffitt has reportedly cleaned up and has been drawing rave reviews from his training partners. He announced his return to the NFL today and is a free agent after being officially released from the Broncos. At 28 years old and with only two years of NFL wear and tear, Moffitt should still have plenty of good football left if he still has the strength, technique and athleticism that made him a day 2 draft pick four years ago. After his off-field issues, Moffitt would only cost the Bears a veteran minimum contract and he has the talent to be at least a competent back-up with starter upside. It’s a low risk deal with a potentially high reward and the Bears should at least look into it if they are concerned about their O-line depth (I am).
Who do you think the Bears are targeting for their open roster spot? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter if there is someone out there I missed that you think is a better ift.
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