How the Bears can hit a home run in April free agency

Adding Calais Campbell would be another move that signals Chicago is serious

For a team that has stripped the roster of aging veterans over the last couple of years, it sure wouldn't be on par to go out and sign a 37-year-old defensive lineman.

But, this Bears roster is a whole lot different than it was even just a couple months ago. The feeling behind this Chicago team is that they can compete, and they can compete much sooner than later. If that's really the thought, then signing Calais Campbell would make a whole lot of sense. He's a guy the Bears could line up at end or on the interior, and he's just as effective rushing the passer from either spot.

Last year with the Falcons, Campbell tallied 6.5 sacks while playing just over 60 percent of snaps. He'd be a low-cost signing, at this point in his career, that could pay huge dividends for a Bears defense that's certainly on the rise.

Now, the Bears still wouldn't be immune from having to draft a defensive end. It's still a need and would remain a need, especially considering Campbell isn't a long-term fix. But, he would add to the idea that the Bears are going to be ready to compete with a rookie phenom under center.