The Chicago Bears had a targeted approach to free agency this offseason
The Chicago Bears did not land any of the big names in free agency this offseason outside of maybe Andy Dalton (depends on how you view him). The team was rumored early to be in on a Russell Wilson trade. In fact, it seemed to be a done deal between the two general managers but then Pete Carroll stepped in and said no thanks.
Ryan Pace was also rumored to be in on left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Williams stayed with the 49ers and Golladay moved east to play for the New York Giants. This makes sense since Ryan Pace had very little to work with in regards to money, granted somewhat of his own doing as already discussed.
This left Pace to try and use a more targeted approach. He went after players who can contribute, but are not stars in the league. Therefore, none of them cost the Chicago Bears too much either.
First, Ryan Pace and the Bears looked within. They brought back plenty of players who were on expiring contracts. These players include Alex Bars, Artie Burns, Deon Bush, Mario Edwards, Tashaun Gipson, Pat O’Donnell, Cairo Santos and Germain Ifedi.
Some key players who left to join other teams include Mitch Trubisky (yes he was still a key player whether you liked him or not), Roy Robertson-Harris, Cordarelle Patterson, John Jenkins, Kyle Fuller and Brent Urban. Oh, and thank goodness — Rashaad Coward. Charles Leno could technically be added to this list, but he was a post-June cut so somewhat different.
Now, if we look at the guys Ryan Pace brought in, there are not many big names. Here they are in order of who I believe are the biggest names (excluding Dalton) down to the no-namers.
- Desmond Trufant: No longer with the team and recently signed with the Saints
- Damien Williams: Should have been the 2019 Super Bowl MVP
- Alec Ogletree: Up and down career but looks very good in this defense
- Marquise Goodwin: Had one very good year in San Francisco and has been injury-riddled
- Jeremiah Attaochu: (“bless you”) Very underrated and will fill in nicely
- Damiere Byrd: Can get deep easily — but can he catch the ball?
- Angelo Blackson: Similar to Attachou – underrated player and will see plenty of playing time
- Christian Jones: A very solid linebacker who will fill in nicely as a depth piece
As you can see, there are some solid signings here. In fact, don’t forget that Akiem Hicks was viewed as a meh signing at one point too. Now look at him in this defense. Maybe someone like Alec Ogletree can rejuvenate his career here. At one point with the Rams, he was a dominant force.