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Chicago Bears’ 2017 Positional Needs: Cornerback

By Bryan Dietzler

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) is pressured by Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fullback Zach Zenner (34) is pressured by Chicago Bears cornerback Tracy Porter (21) during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) rushes with the football as Chicago Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan (37) defends during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) rushes with the football as Chicago Bears cornerback Bryce Callahan (37) defends during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears have just three guys that are going to be free agents this off-season.  It’s hard to tell what they plan to do with them right now but we can take a guess as to what their plans might be.

Jonathan Banks was brought in late last season and given an opportunity to play.  He came into the league with a lot of promise but hasn’t quite delivered.  Did he show the Bears enough in his brief time in the lineup to warrant giving him a contract?  It’s tough to tell.  It’s not going to be a matter of money with him it’s going to be roster room.  Does he have the talent to earn a trip to training camp this summer?

Brandon Boykin spent the entire season on injured reserve after suffering a pectoral injury in training camp.  He has experience and could end up back with the team if they deem him healthy enough.  The Bears brought him in on a one year deal last off-season but didn’t get a chance to see what he could do.  Will they give him another shot and another contract?  Or will he be walking away this off-season?

Bryce Callahan is an exclusive rights free agent this off-season.  Callahan has been injured often throughout his time in Chicago but has shown flashes of consistency.  He plays very physical and that’s a big reason why he spends a lot of time on the sideline with injuries.  If he looks like he can stay healthy they may bring him back on a one year deal and see what he can do.  He’s got the experience, and knows the defense.  He could still be an asset.

It’s not out of the question to think that all three of these guys might be back.  Banks and Boykin have good talent while Callahan has been a nice player when he’s healthy.  Boykin and Callahan have health issues, however, so if Chicago figures they can’t stay healthy consistently, they won’t spend money on them.  Banks may the only sure thing here.

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