5 aging defensive free agents the Chicago Bears could sign

The Chicago Bears should risk signing free agent linebacker Anthony Hitchens

With the Bears switching schemes this offseason and going to a 4-3, they have to adjust accordingly. At the moment, Roquan Smith projects best as the weak side outside linebacker. But, do the Bears keep Danny Trevathan around to man the middle linebacker spot? It’s likely they decide to move on from Trevathan and find someone who is a better fit.

If the Bears decide to go with more of a bandaid method, Anthony Hitchens wouldn’t be a bad option at all. Hitchens will be 30 years old when the 2022 season starts, and this very well might be his last chance at securing a decent contract.

Fortunately, Hitchens has proved to be pretty healthy over the years. He’s played in at least 14 games in five of the last six seasons. He also comes from a winning organization that may not be able to pay him to return.

Hitchens has never been a Pro Bowl player, but he’s had many consistent seasons. His best year came back during his first season with the Chiefs in 2018 when he very well could have been a Pro Bowler. Hitchens tallied 135 tackles that year.

He is not a guy who will hurt this defense. Hitchens is a do-your-job type of player and would fit well with the Bears, even if it is for the short-term future.