It is no secret that the Chicago Bears need help at the cornerback position.
Jaylon Johnson might not play this season, and Kyler Gordon was recently placed on IR with a designation to return. Tyrique Stevenson missed the Ravens game two weeks ago and was unable to play the entire game against the Bengals last week.
Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson added C.J. Gardner-Johnson to help relieve the loss of Gordon, but backup corner Nashon Wright should remain that -- a backup. Reports are that the Bears will host free agent CB Asante Samuel, Jr., but should they look at Stephon Gilmore instead?
There is no question that Samuel would be the better option if truly healthy. The problem is that no one knows how Samuel will respond to the rigors of the NFL despite being cleared to play.
Samuel had spinal fusion surgery in April. Without the injury, Samuel would be viewed as one of the best corners in the league. He's only 26 years old and would make most secondaries better. The injury does exist, though, and it is clear that he may never be the same player he once was.
Samuel is making his rounds now that he got the all clear. He already has scheduled visits with six teams over the next week. Those six teams are the Panthers (fifth), Packers (sixth), Vikings (seventh), 49ers (10th), Bears (11th), and Steelers (12th). Even if the Bears were to feel comfortable signing Samuel, it is not likely that he will be ready to play in Week 11 vs the Vikings. In fact, it could be weeks before he's fully conditioned and available to play.
I will note that I am excited the Chicago Bears are doing their due diligence, but with five other teams in talks, it will be hard to sign him. I assume that Samuel will weigh his options carefully, but it will essentially come down to three main factors -- money, chemistry with the coaching staff, and playing time.
Samuel will want a chance to prove himself and earn a big contract the following season. Chicago has plenty to offer in each category, so they have a shot at signing him, but there isn't a guarantee.
Should the Chicago Bears focus on Stephon Gilmore too?
This is why it might be the time to start wooing Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore isn't young like Samuel, but even at 34 years old, he performed at a decent level for the Vikings last season. Gilmore started 15 games, had one interception, and finished with nine pass deflections. When targeted, he allowed 61.9% of passes to be completed. It wasn't his best season, but he was more than servicable.
Over the last three years, Gilmore has only missed three games. He has always excelled in man coverage, which is a priority for Dennis Allen in his defensive scheme.
Gilmore will be highly selective in choosing a team to join, as he wants a chance to play for a contender. Chicago may not seem like a good fit in that regard, but if he wants an opportunity to contribute and not just come off the bench, then Chicago might be the right choice. He'd be an immediate upgrade over Nick McCloud and Nashon Wright.
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If I were Ryan Poles, I would target both and hope to land at least one over the next couple of weeks.