Chicago Bears Free Agency Preview Part II: 2017 Defensive Free Agents

Chicago will have two defensive linemen hit free agency.  They aren’t big name guys but they have provided some nice depth for the team over the course of this season.

Cornelius Washington has been involved 13 games with two starts this season.  He has a couple of sacks to his credit and has been disruptive at times.  Unlike other free agents, Washington is finishing off a four-year deal with the Bears and this was his year to shine.  He flashed and quietly made an impact on defense this year.  He did grade out well in the games he played so he could be someone the Bears want to look at further and bring back.

C.J. Wilson spent some time on and off the roster this season seeing action in four games.  He did get a sack in limited action and appears to provide some adequate depth.  Wilson is in his seventh year in the league so he won’t be part of a youth movement but his experience is valuable.  He could get some additional looks in training camp next year.

Incidentally, Wilson did grade out high in the Bears’ second game against Green Bay.  With that, it’s likely Chicago will want to look at him further during these last couple of games.  With nothing left to play for, Wilson, along with other second and third string players, should get some additional looks by the coaching staff.

What should the Bears do with Wilson and Washington?  They should re-sign Wilson and give him an opportunity to make the roster.  Washington has a lot of potential as well and could easily be re-signed.

Look for both defensive linemen to be in training camp with the Bears next year.