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Chicago Bears Free Agency Preview Part I: 2017 Offensive Free Agents

By Bryan Dietzler

Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Quinten Rollins (24) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay defeats Chicago 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Connor Barth (4) kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears kicker Connor Barth (4) kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

There are just a few additional offensive players left that will be coming out of their contracts.  Let’s also throw a key special teamer in this group as well and see what the Bears should do with him.

Tight end Daniel Brown was signed when Zach Miller went out for the year with an injury.  Brown has performed well in limited action.  It’s possible the Bears have seen enough of him to bring him back for one more year.  He’s been effective and could be a decent backup behind Miller.  He’s easily worth another look next year.

Logan Paulsen has been a bit of a problem.  He has had some issues blocking and has made some mistakes at key moments that leave fans and coaches scratching their heads.  Seeing what they have seen out of him, management may decide that they can find someone more competent as their third or fourth tight end and let him walk.  That would be the wise thing to do.

Fullback Paul Lasike has been on and off the Bears’ roster this season so it’s hard to get a read on what they want to do with him.  They have shown that they want him to be a blocker in the running game but then pull him out and don’t utilize.  He has become a victim of what has been a very inconsistent and confusing rushing attack in Chicago, despite its production.  Would the Bears decide to keep him and re-sign him?  Is a fullback a part of their future?

Bears fans will recall the “coup” of sorts to start the season when long time kicker Robbie Gould was released and Connor Barth signed.  The move was based on money and Barth ended up being a cheaper but  not as effective an option.  Barth is a going to be a free agent this off-season so the Bears have a decision to make.  It might be better for the Bears to look at other options at kicker and sign someone else to a longer-term contract.

The Bears have some decisions to make with this group.  What should those decisions be?  Brown should be re-signed to a one year deal. Lasike should only be retained if the Bears plan to use a fullback in the future.  Otherwise it’s a waste of a roster spot and cash they can’t get back.  Paulsen needs to go as he’s a detriment to the team.  Barth caught on better as the year rolled on so perhaps the Bears may want to have him in the back of their mind when they look for a kicking prospect for 2017.  But he’s not a great option.

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