5 free agents who might follow Matt Eberflus to the Chicago Bears

Free Agent Matt Eberflus Could Bring to the Chicago Bears: Maliek Collins, DT

If the Chicago Bears can lock up the nose tackle position, then a player worth looking to bring in to play the 3-technique is Maliek Collins. Collins was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. This was when Matt Eberflus was on the coaching staff as the linebackers coach.

Collins is coming off a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. He signed a $5 million dollar deal and is a free agent for the third year in a row. Prior to 2021, he signed a one-year deal with the Raiders. That deal was for $5.75 million. In his first four seasons, he played with the Cowboys on his rookie deal.

Collins has basically started on the defensive line since being drafted in 2016. In his rookie year, he started 14 games. He came away with five sacks and 13 quarterback hits. He also forced the only fumble of his career. Over his six-year career, Collins has averaged three sacks per year. He has the versatility to play as both the 3-technique and the 1-technique. Most of his highlights are playing in the B gap as the 3-technique and could be a great replacement for Bilal Nichols.