Chicago Bears Free Agency: Identifying the best defensive free agents at each position
Cornerback must be a priority as the Chicago Bears need a third starter
When I watched Kyler Gordon play last season, he was better while playing on the perimeter than playing as the nickel. However, I know Matt Eberflus and Alan Williams view him as a versatile corner who can play in either spot. I will not worry about determining who the Chicago Bears must bring in at corner based on their ability to play the slot or the outside. I'll leave that up to the coaching staff. That said, here are the top cornerback candidates.
- James Bradberry
- Marcus Peters
- Jonathan Jones
- Cameron Sutton
- Jamel Dean
- Rock Ya-Sin
- Patrick Peterson
- Emmanuel Moseley
There are some big-time names on here that I would not even consider for the Chicago Bears. James Bradberry, Marcus Peters, and Patrick Peterson are the three I wouldn't go after unless on a very inexpensive deal. Jonathan Jones is probably going to be too expensive also.
My Bears Choice: Rock Ya-Sin
You are going to hear a lot of Bears fans say they want Jamel Dean. He is only 25 and although doesn't have high interception numbers, he has been a solid corner. His advanced stats show how well he can defend and is similar to a Jaylon Johnson -- not many interceptions but completion percentages when being targeted are low. He will likely cost $12 to $14 million per year and that's too expensive in my opinion.
I'd sign Rock Ya-Sin to a deal under $10 million per year and then look to the draft for some quality depth pieces that could compete for a starting role. Ya-Sin played with Eberflus in Indianapolis and was a solid contributor.