Chicago Bears Stay or Go: Lamarr Houston
By Josh Diaz
Should the Chicago Bears extend Lamarr Houston, or let him walk?
The Chicago Bears acquired Lamarr Houston off of waivers from the Houston Texans during week twelve of the regular season. Houston played in five games during the 2017 season tallying up eight tackles and four sacks as a Chicago Bear. The Chicago Bears have a decision to make, do they offer unrestricted free agent Lamarr Houston a contract, or let him test free agency?
Stay
With Vic Fangino staying in Chicago as the defensive coordinator, the Chicago Bears need to continue to build depth on defense. Lamarr Houston knows the 3-4 outside linebacker role, and pairing him with Leonard Floyd on the opposite end is a great combination.
Lamarr Houston was effective in the five games he played for the Chicago Bears. Houston knows the system, he knows Vic Fangio and what is expected from him on a daily and weekly basis.
The money will not be an issue as Houston’s last contract was less than one million dollars for one year. Houston is affordable and effective as long as he is on the field he will produce.
Signing a savvy veteran that provides depth, and toughness to the defense makes sense. The
Chicago Bears should sign Lamarr Houston and fortify their defense for 2018.
Go
The Chicago Bears can look to fill the outside linebacker void in the 2018 NFL draft. Letting Lamar Houston walk to free agency frees up a roster spot for the upcoming draft.
Houston is consistently hurt, the reason why the Chicago Bears let him go after the final game of the preseason.
Lamarr Houston’s natural position is not a 3-4 outside linebacker. He converted when Vic Fangio came over as defensive coordinator. The Bears can draft or sign a veteran who is a better fit for the position.