10 best realistic free agent targets for Chicago Bears

3. Chicago Bears should sign Steven Nelson

With the Chicago Bears’ need for a cornerback, Steven Nelson could be the best fit. It starts with connections to the front office. Nelson was another cornerback that started his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Ryan Poles was in on the discussions when the team drafted him in the third round. He spent last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, which meant Ian Cunningham, who is currently the Bears Assistant GM.

Considering we know the relationship between these two now, they may have shared notes on Nelson last season. Nelson played with Mike Tomlin before the Eagles, and Tomlin is a mentor of defensive coordinator Alan Williams.

That connection also shows up on the field and speaks to the idea that Nelson fit the scheme that Tomlin ran and that scheme is similar to what Alan Williams has been running since the two were in Tampa Bay together.

The ties to Steven Nelson make a lot of sense. Nelson has also been an underrated cornerback the past few years with the Steelers and Eagles. He is zone-heavy but does not get beat by the deep ball, which is what this new scheme wants. A combination of Nelson and Jaylon Johnson would solidify the starters and would be a great signing for his value.