5 quality free agents still available for the Chicago Bears
By Evan Bruner
Chicago Bears free agent option No. 1: Eric Fisher, LT
The Bears have some youngsters on the line with the potential to be very good. But having the potential to be a quality player isn’t the same as having someone who has proven to be one. Adding a veteran presence on the line would make a lot of sense.
The case for signing Fisher
Fisher’s 2021 season with the Colts was far from what he had hoped. Coming off a torn Achilles that suffered deep in the 2020 playoffs, Fisher wasn’t nearly the player he was the season prior. That’s understandable given the severity of the injury and his relatively quick return to action. The steep drop-off in play from 2020 to 2021 likely had more to do with Fisher’s health than his ability. After all, Fisher was playing some of the best football of his career before the injury. He’s a pro-bowl-level talent, and that can’t be said about many of the players remaining on the market.
The case against signing Fisher
A full recovery from a torn Achilles is hardly given for offensive linemen. Even another offseason to recover doesn’t guarantee that Fisher will ever return to 100%. For what it’s worth, Ryan Poles has mostly turned away from signing players to one-year deals, and with Fisher coming off a poor season, he’ll likely want a prove-it deal. A healthy Fisher would definitely be an upgrade. But it might not be worth it if the Bears have to replace him next offseason, especially with all the young players he’d be taking reps away from.