Chicago Bears: 5 free agents who would instantly improve the roster

Chicago Bears Free Agent Target: Steven Nelson, CB

Not only is this a guy I would be targeting, but there are rumors that the Chicago Bears are indeed interested in Steven Nelson. Reports are that the Chicago Bears are one of 14 teams interested in Nelson. This does not surprise me as the 28-year-old cornerback is one of the best free agents still on the market.

Nelson has been a starter in the Steelers’ backfield the last three years. The former third-round pick is not what you’d call an interceptor. He only has seven interceptions over his six-year career. That said, those seven have come over the last three years. Nelson is a solid defender and better at grabbing the ball than his numbers present.

Nelson has averaged a little under one pass defended per game over his career. Expand that over a full season and he averages just over 12 passes defended per year. If we look at his advanced stats, he’s a little all over the place. Last season he only allowed 58.2% of his targets to go for completions. Unfortunately, he also was accountable for letting up seven touchdowns. However, the year before that, Nelson held opponents to 50.0% completions and no touchdowns.

Adding home to the roster makes him the CB3 and I’d bet he’d play the starting nickel position. The chances of landing Nelson are not great, therefore Bashaud Breeland would be the next best option.