Free agent depth moves the Bears should make to fill Roquan Smith void

Hayes Pullard

Another name I mentioned back when Danny Trevathan went down is Hayes Pullard. Pullard might be the best option here. He is not going to push any of the Bears’ current depth guys for playing time, but he has plenty of special teams experience.

Pullard was a 2015 seventh-round draft pick of the Cleveland Browns. He did not make the team but was signed by the Jaguars. He played in eight games and started two in his rookie season. He did not start any games during his sophomore season but played on 68 percent of the Jaguars’ special teams snaps.

In 2017, Pullard made his way to the Los Angeles Chargers. With injuries to their linebackers, Pullard found his way into the starting lineup. He started 10 games and played in 13 for the Chargers. He finished with 72 combined tackles, three tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Pullard lost the starting spot the following year once others were healthy. He then played on 17 percent of the Chargers’ special teams plays before losing his job in 2019. It might be wise for Ryan Pace and Chris Tabor to call Pullard’s agent and see if he’s interested and can pass a physical.

All of this might not matter if Danny Trevathan can truly come back healthy for the Packers game. My fear would be rushing him back too soon and he further injures himself. One of these guys could make for a cheap depth option and two could potentially fill in as a starter if needed. If I am Pace, I am calling around and setting up potential workouts if Roquan Smith is truly done for the year.