37 days until Chicago Bears 2017 season kicks off: Bryce Callahan profile
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway. With 37 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight cornerback Bryce Callahan
2016 Review
Last season, Callahan saw the field a lot. He wound playing 489 defensive snaps, most of them coming from the slot. Callahan started ten games and was active for 11. He defended five passes and made 30 tackles. In just his second season in the NFL, it was a nice step forward into prolonging his NFL career.
2017 Outlook
Callahan enters training camp in a battle for playing time. The Bears cornerback situation is very fluid and features a plethora of names. However, most of them come with a plethora of question marks. Callahan is a bit undersized, which is why he profiles more as a slot player. He should stick to defending smaller, shiftier wide receivers. However, Prince Amukamara and CreVon LeBlanc profile similarly to Callahan on the roster. LeBlanc and Callahan each saw time outside and in the slot for the Bears last season. Amukamara has signed this offseason, meaning the Bears clearly would like a role for him. Callahan should be able to make the team, but he may wind up as a depth piece more than a starter early into the season.
Future with the Bears
Callahan will be a restricted free agent next season. LeBlanc is signed on for next season, and if the two wind up in a toss up, that may end up being a determining factor. Still, 2017 presents an ample opportunity for Callahan to earn himself some sort of extension with the team. If he can hold down as much or more time as a starter next season, the Bears could definitely see talent worthy of extending. It will not be an expensive price tag, and Callahan could wind up being a value that will stick around the team for the next couple of years.