Chicago Bears (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have signed Tre Roberson, arguably the best CFL free agent of 2020. Ryan Pace has sent three messages to the league and fans by this signing.
Reports came out late Tuesday night that the Chicago Bears have signed cornerback Tre Roberson. Tre Roberson is a cornerback who has played the last two seasons in the CFL. Many analysts believe he to be the best CFL free agent this offseason. This is a great move for Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears.
Roberson is 27 years old. He was signed by the Minnesota Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2016. From 2011 to 2013, Roberson played quarterback for Indiana University. He did not do much damage as a quarterback though. He was more of a dual-threat player who ran more than he threw. In 2014, Roberson transferred to Illinois State.
Illinois State used Roberson more in their passing attack. He scored in bunches but still did not show great passing skills. His best season was in 2014 when he threw for 3,221 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He added another 11 touchdowns on the ground and gained over 1,000 rushing yards. Roberson reached the FCS title game and was named Newcomer of the Year.
Unfortunately, he lost that success during his last season. His completion percentage dropped below 50 percent. He threw for 2,225 yards, 18 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He was still dominant with his legs though as he scored another 11 touchdowns and gained 777 yards. Roberson was not going to be drafted as a quarterback in the NFL and he decided to change his position focus to cornerback.
With the addition of Roberson to the defensive roster, Ryan Pace has made these three statements to the league and fans.
Prince Amukamara a lock to be a cap casualty
Listen. I know that this has been talked about over and over again already. Everyone and their brother already knew Prince Amukamara was not going to be around for the Chicago Bears 2020 season. Ryan Pace will be saving $9 million dollars by cutting Amukamara. From a smart business perspective, he has to go. Even Amukamara would cut himself if he were in Pace’s shoes.
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Cornerback was a top need for the Bears, and do not be mistaken, the team still needs to look to add at the position. If you want to read up on a few discounted corners Pace could add this offseason, read here.
Amukamara has been a solid second cornerback for the Bears, but he has had his flaws. Untimely penalties have been a killer at times for the defense. Not to mention some blown coverages he has had from time to time. Despite the flaws, Amukamara has been able to hold his own across from Kyle Fuller. He lacks the big-play ability though.
Throughout Amukamara’s career, he has never recorded more than three interceptions in a single season. While playing for the Chicago Bears, Amukamara has three interceptions. All three came during the 12-4 run in 2018. In both 2017 and 2019, Amukamara did not get his hands on any interceptions. Is that the type of corner who deserves $10 million dollars in 2020? I think not.
Recruiting still strong
Remember when Ha Ha Clinton-Dix decided to play for the Chicago Bears for less money this season? That in itself was a message from Ryan Pace that this team means business when it comes to recruiting. Reports came out that Tre Roberson chose the Chicago Bears over at least nine other teams. Money obviously talks, but the locker room chemistry of this team is strong and this just continues to prove it.
Many might think Matt Nagy is a poor play-caller, but no one can call him a poor head coach. He has kept this team fighting during a rollercoaster of a season in 2019. Many teams fold, this team scratched and clawed until the end. That is a testament to the players wanting to succeed for their coach.
The fact that Pace was able to lock Roberson up in Chicago says something and sends a message to the rest of the league. I know many of you think Pace has been a failure, but I really like this signing. I say this with a disclaimer based on what the contract ends up being. Reports are it will be the biggest contract given to a CFL free agent since Cameron Wake. Wake turned out okay and was brought into the league on a four-year, $4.9 million deal.
Pace still loves his diamonds in the rough
Yes, I know that nine other teams wanted to sign Tre Roberson. Does that negate that he is a “diamond in the rough”? Maybe. All I know is that Ryan Pace is aggressive with his moves and many fans are down on him, but I love a guy who goes for who or what he wants, even if he whiffs. Pace has hit enough in my opinion that he is nowhere near being on the hot seat. This could change after 2020, but I am putting my money on Pace and this team competing.
Tre Roberson was “Mr. Football” and now he found his way back to the NFL. He will have yet another opportunity to succeed. He was known as the best CFL free agent for a reason. Roberson has played the last two seasons for the Calgary Stampeders. He has good size at 6’0′ and 190lbs. It seems he shed weight in the CFL as he used to be slightly over 200lbs.
While playing for Calgary the last two years, Roberson has proved he is no longer a quarterback. Instead, he is a solid corner. Roberson grabbed three interceptions in his first CFL season. He finished the season with 54 tackles and added two forced fumbles.
Roberson built off of his strong “rookie” campaign in 2019. He finished the year with seven interceptions. What may be more impressive is that he returned two of them for touchdowns. His tackle numbers dropped to 41, but that was more likely due to other teams not targeting him as often based on his successful 2018 year.
Adding Roberson does not solve the cornerback situation, but it gives Pace more flexibility this offseason. Does Pace still turn to the draft or add a veteran presence in free agency? No matter what, on paper, this move currently looks fantastic and I love that the Bears beat out other teams. What did you think of the signing?