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Chicago Bears: Free Agents Who Could be on their Radar

By Bryan Dietzler

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (92) and defensive end Akiem Hicks (96) celebrate after a play during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) catches a 9-yard touchdown pass while defended by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Paul Richardson (10) catches a 9-yard touchdown pass while defended by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

I have gotten a lot of feedback from previous articles stating that cornerback is a big need for the Bears and I do agree with that.  As this season progresses, both starting cornerback positions on this team are in a state of flux.  Kyle Fuller has missed the entire year with a knee scope and who knows if he is fully healed.  Tracy Porter, while the best of the bunch, is often injured (he still plays) and is not getting any younger.

Chicago may choose to add some help at the cornerback position through free agency depending on what they decide to do with the guys they already have at the position right now.

There could be quite a group of corners available in free agency this year and the Bears may want to tap into that pool of talent.  If some of the guys that I am about to mention are available, the Bears could have a good shot at shoring up the position.

Some of the players that could be available at the cornerback spot in free agency include:

Mike Jenkins-Arizona Cardinals

Jerraud Powers-Baltimore Ravens

Brandon Boykin-Cincinnati Bengals

Morris Claiborne-Dallas Cowboys

Antonio Cromartie-Indianapolis Colts

Darius Butler-Indianapolis Colts

Prince Amukamara-Jacksonville Jaguars

Captain Munnerlyn-Minnesota Vikings

Terrance Newman-Minnesota Vikings

Malcolm Butler-New England Patriots

DaShaun Phillips-Washington Redskins

Greg Toler-Washington Redskins

Sure, you have some guys on the list that may not be starters but most of these guys have solid potential.  Any one of these guys could come in and do something to help jump-start the Bears at the cornerback position.  There is some age in this group as well.  Remember that Porter came to the Bears with some age and was more than serviceable.

Most of these guys may only play out a two-year contract depending on how healthy they stay but they are ready to start.  And ready to help improve this defense.

The nice thing about getting a free agent cornerback is that you can draft one that you can develop rather than throwing him into the “fire” in his first season.  History has shown that some younger corners that get thrown into action too early struggle.  Granted, that is not always the case but it does happen.  So why take the risk when you can have a veteran start while the younger guy plays nickel or is a backup?

One last note, Chicago will have two of their own free agents to worry about this offseason at cornerback.  Bryce Callahan and Jacoby Glenn will be exclusive rights free agents.  The Bears will have a decision to make on these two.

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