Its almost the start of the 2018 free agency period and the Browns are kicking doors open and searching every venue to get together a team that can save them from their eternal winning drought. I say it was about time they started panicking in a good way.
I listed some free agent prospects that I think the Bears should consider for each position, in bold letters are the names of players I would like on the team and the others to be considered for depth at the position.
QB
Josh McCown
Tyler Bray
Chase Daniel
If they don't re-sign Mark Sanchez who would bring a familiar face and voice for Mitch Trubisky's continued development, maybe they can bring another voice of experience in Josh McCown if it doesn't bother him to be on the bench. Maybe bring in Bray who worked with now HC Matt Nagy.
RB
Jerick McKinnon
Alfred Morris
Christine Michael
Branden Oliver
Although this position doesn't really need any more personnel if Bennie Cunningham gets re-signed, the talks of Jordan Howard not fitting in Nagys system is somewhat worrisome. McKinnon would be the closest thing to a RB who can go through tackles, be elusive and be good at catching the ball somewhat like Kareem Hunt is for the Chiefs. Morris or Michael could be backups to Howard while Oliver resembles Tarik Cohen.
WR
Allen Robinson
Sammy Watkins
Paul Richardson
Albert Wilson
Terrelle Pryor
Ryan Grant
Taylor Gabriel
John Brown
Jaron Brown
Robinson and Watkins can be considered the top available but bring some already present predicaments. Robinson is coming of a knee tear just like Cam Meredith and Watkins has his injured foot issues, add in Kevin Whites already long injury history and one starts to wonder if Ryan Pace wants to risk having more of the same, but I understand that calculated risks have to be taken, if Watkins is more intriguing and looks to be the faster player, Robinson is what we should have in White if he were more on the field. Richarson is something in between because he has had his knee teared but has managed to return and show he can still play at a high level, he could make Marcus Wheaton earn his salary or simply replace him. Pryor is an interesting player that may have struggled because of Washington's system, he still can be the player he was with the Browns but I would only consider taking him if Dontrell Inman isn't re-signed. Wilson is already being considered by many to end up with the Bears because of Nagy, looks like and above average WR2 at best but can push others to play better and would have the advantage of being familiar with the system. Grant, Gabriel and both Brown's can be considered for the slot if Kendall Wright doesn't return.
TE
NONE
Moving on.
G/C
Andrew Norwell
Zach Fulton
Evan Smith
I'm only considering Norwell here because Josh Sitton got cut and there is a hole at guard that could be filled d by Eric Kush but then there is no backup if (knock on wood) Kyle Long gets hurt, there is a need for a quality G and it should be prioritized. Keeping track on Nagy's ex-players that he can get back, Fulton looks at least like a good backup that can compete. Smith is an injury prone veteran that could consider being a backup at C and debunk Hroniss Grasu who looks like he just doesn't have it.
OT
Cameron Fleming
Ja'Wuan James
Both Fleming and James are good players that can anchor the RT spot, I prefer Fleming just because he didn't get injured last season although I do believe James is the better player.
DE/NT
Sheldon Richardson
Bennie Logan
John Jenkins should be re-signed for NT depth and rotation but they could try and do better by signing Bennie Logan. Mitch Unrein is a very serviceable DE but with Sheldon Richardson in the market the Bears should consider going for him.
OLB/EDGE
Kareem Martin
Jerry Attaochu
The lack of outside pass rushers in this years free agency pool worries me, Martin and Attaochu could be serviceable OLB's like Sam Acho but none of them seem to have what it takes to get consistently to the QB. I was not a fan on the decision of letting Willie Young go although he already made it known that OLB wasn't his ideal position.
ILB
Zach Brown
Derrick Johnson
Christian Jones played well enough to be considered to return. Brown can come in and compete for the job or the Bears can go big and get Jonhson then draft a rookie so he can learn from him.
CB
Trumaine Johnson
Ross Cockrell
Aaron Colvin
Dontae Johnson
With Kyle Fuller almost guaranteed to return, they need to think very carefully if they want to re-sign Prince Amukamara back or go all in on Johnson who I really like how he plays. Cockrell can push or shove aside Marcus Cooper if he keeps playing poorly. Colvin and Johnson I consider to be value backups for the nickel and dime. Sherick McMannis is a very good ST player and should be re-signed.
S
NONE
Don't think we need any from this pool.
K
Caleb Sturgis
Cody Parkey
At least one has to stay between Mike Nugent and Cairo Santos, there should be two on the roster to compete against each other. Sturigs returning from injury and Parkey accurate from within 50 but not beyond, I believe are the better candidates.
P
Dustin Colquitt
Pat O'donnell should be re-singed but if not there is another Chief that could take his place in Colquitt.
Pace can soften the need on WR and CB with this pool and maybe some more on other positions, but its clear to me that a pass rushing OLB has to come from the draft and to pick one early should be the main focal point .
