Mitch Unrein signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former Chicago Bears defensive end Mitch Unrein has signed a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After an underrated stint in Chicago that featured 21 starts over three years, Mitch Unrein is once again moving teams. On the first day of actual free agency, Unrein signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Mitch Unrein signs for 3 years on a deal worth $10.5M, source said, with $4M guaranteed. Underrated, versatile player. https://t.co/fPI5qOvwBR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Unrein was drafted by the Denver Broncos and also played for the Chargers in his eight year NFL career. Last season, Unrein put up a career high 2.5 sacks and 32 tackles. He was a reliable starter next to Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks and even slid into a back up nose tackle role due to lack of depth.
Unrein was able to play up and down the defensive line. His usage in Tampa Bay will be in questions, because they play much more of a two gapping style of defense.
More from Bear Goggles On
- 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
This is clearly a vote of confidence for Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris. It is not like Unrein broke the bank. If the Bears thought that they needed him to start next season, they had the cap space to make the move. However, their faith in the young blood taking a step forward is going to be needed.
While Bullard likely has inside track when it comes to taking over the starter role, do not discount the potential of what Roy Robertson-Harris brings to the table.
If anything, this signifies the team should be looking for more depth at nose tackle. John Jenkins cannot be relied on, and Unrein was taking rotational snaps in that spot. They could slide Robertson-Harris over, but will likely carry another lineman into camp anyways. A low risk free agent or late round flier could be spent on the defensive line.