Chicago Bears Free Agency Report Card: Statistically Speaking

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws a pass during the second half of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons won 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) throws a pass during the second half of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons won 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) attempts to defend at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Benny Cunningham (23) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters (22) attempts to defend at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago signed defensive tackle John Jenkins to help bolster their defensive line adding some depth.  Jenkins has been in the league since 2013 and has just one season where he has played in 16 games.  The most he has started in a year was 12 games back in 2015 and the total starts he has had since coming into the league has been 22.  Last year, he only played in two games.

As far as statistics, Jenkins has registered just one and a half sacks and one forced fumble in his entire career.  Not very productive.  But perhaps the Bears are thinking that he can revitalize his career in Chicago.  He can add some depth and perhaps fill in when needed.  But playing at a high level is probably something he will never do.

Perhaps he is just “filler”.

Just in time to make it into this story, the Bears went ahead and signed running back Benny Cunningham.  Cunningham has been in the NFL since 2014 and has just three starts.  He has participated in several games during his career but only had one season where he played in all 16 games.  As expected, his numbers are not spectacular and he hasn’t had a lot of production.  But then again, he hasn’t been a starter.

Jordan Howard is locked in but the other guys?   What does the signing of Cunningham mean for guys like Jeremy Langford and KaDeem Carey?  They may not be so lucky.  But then again, Cunningham may not be able to beat out the other two and could end up out of Chicago.  His acquisition is interesting though and makes us wonder what Pace is thinking.