Chicago Bears: 5 defensive free agents worth signing by training camp

Chicago Bears Free Agent Option: Jurrell Casey, DT

In a very similar situation, should Kawann Short not be able to prove himself healthy, maybe Jurrell Casey can. Casey has also been a very dominant defensive tackle and defensive end in this league. He wouldn’t fit the true mold of a 3-4 nose tackle in my opinion, but he has plenty of experience playing on the inside. We saw Bilal Nichols move inside at times last season and it worked successfully. Casey could do the same and if healthy would likely be more consistent than Nichols.

Casey has been to five Pro Bowls throughout his career. In fact, his most recent one came in just 2019. The not-so-young defensive end has played most of his career in Tennessee. While playing for the Titans, Casey saw action at both DT and DE. His best season came in 2013 when he recorded 10.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 55 combined tackles (38 solos). Shockingly that was not one of his Pro Bowl seasons (popularity contest many times).

Over the last five seasons before his injury, Casey has averaged six sacks and 53 combined tackles. Just like Short, Casey should get a chance to prove himself healthy. He will likely cost more than the veteran minimum, but not too much where he’s not worth looking to sign. If the Chicago Bears lose Eddie Goldman, this defensive front will need some serious help.