Bears 2016 Free Agent Options: Defensive Line

Potential bargains:

NT Ahtyba Rubin, Seahawks – A cast-off from the Browns after the 2014 season, Rubin re-gained his early career productivity with the Seahawks. He was signed as depth but eventually won a starting DT job over Tony McDaniel. With Rubin’s size (6’2 | 321) he is a better fit at nose tackle, which is where he had most of his early career success.

Rubin would give the Bears an experienced back-up at nose tackle to keep Eddie Goldman fresh and improve their run defense while he’s in the lineup. He’s a non-factor vs the pass, but can eat up double-teams and clog interior running lanes. At 29 years old, Rubin should have another solid season or two left.

DE Jack Crawford, Cowboys – Played in all 16 games for the first time in his four-year career last season and was productive as a rotational DT in Dallas. At 6’5, 275 pounds Crawford has enough size to move outside as a 5-tech for the Bears, but might not be strong enough against the run to be a 3-down player right now.

Crawford could help with the pass rush though and be a 5-tech in the Bears nickel package. Crawford shouldn’t be too expensive and proved last year he can generate a pass rush with 4 sacks and 10 QB pressures in limited snaps.

DE Tony Jerod-Eddie, 49ers – The Bears reportedly had interest in signing Jerod-Eddie last off-season, but he stayed with the Niners for a better chance at playing time. It didn’t work out well for either team as Jerod-Eddie only started two games for the Niners and the guy the Bears signed instead, Ray McDonald, was kicked off the team before playing a game.

Jerod-Eddie has ideal size (6’5 | 300) and athleticism (4.96 40-time) but has never produced on the field like you’d expect for a guy with his skill-set. He is only 25 though and was a development project of Bears DC Vic Fangio while he was with the Niners. Jerod-Eddie still has the ability to be an impact player at DE, but sloppy technique and an inconsistent effort level have held him back. Reuniting him with former coach Fangio could work out well for both sides.