Day one of free agency featured some huge signings, but not by the Chicago Bears. While Chicago made a few offers, they came up empty on every big name in free agency.
The Chicago Bears entered free agency with plenty of cap space with over $50 million to throw around. That number could swell even higher if Chicago cuts Eddie Royal, Tracy Porter, or Lamarr Houston. The Bears targeted a number of free agents who lined up with their needs, but they managed to land none of them.
Before free agency officially started, reports surfaced that the Bears made a strong push for AJ Bouye. The Houston Texans cornerback experienced a breakout season with 16 pass defenses and 1 interception. Unfortunately for Chicago, Bouye signed with Jacksonville $67.5 million over 5 years.
Chicago lost out on another big name cornerback, Stephon Gilmore. What makes this loss most painful is the fact that Gilmore went on record saying that he wanted to sign in Chicago. He eventually signed with New England. Most disturbing about the Gilmore deal is what he texted Josina Anderson.
Was just told Stephon Gilmore was a little bit disappointed the #Bears weren't "more serious" w/ offer. Just "let the chips fall" after that
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 9, 2017
While the terms of Gilmore’s contract remain unknown, it’s surprising to hear the Bears weren’t more aggressive with their offer.
More from Chicago Bears News
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Additionally, the Bears watched Alshon Jeffery leave on Thursday afternoon. He signed with Philadelphia on a one year deal worth $14 million. The deal essentially works as a franchise tag which the Bears could have offered Jeffery for $3.5 million more. Considering Chicago’s draft needs, it’s unlikely that the Bears draft a high-profile wide receiver. Additionally, this year’s free agent class offers no receivers as talented as Jeffery. For $3.5 million, Chicago’s passing game became much weaker.
While the Bears have signed players like Mike Glennon, Dion Sims, and Quintin Demps, they are far from the big fish Chicago needed. Based on the how Jeffery and Gilmore went elsewhere, it’s clear that the Bears haven’t taken the aggressive approach everyone expected. In year three of Pace’s contract, he may need to better his efforts if he wants to see another offseason.
Pace still has a chance to snag solid players in Logan Ryan and Tyrell Pryor, but time is quickly running out.