Chicago Bears Free Agency 2017: Potential Targets on Offense

The Chicago Bears should be actively trying to improve their offense in 2017 NFL free agency. Which players might be a good fit?

The Chicago Bears finished the 2016 season ranked 28th in scoring (17.4 points per game) and 15th in yards per game (356 yards). Needless to say, the offense needs some work, and 2017 NFL free agency is the first opportunity to do this.

With an estimated $58 million to spend, the Bears figure to be big players in the free agent market. Nearly every position could use an upgrade in talent. With that in mind, here are some players who could potentially be playing in the Windy City next season:

Kenny Stills, WR – Miami Dolphins

A true burner, Kenny Stills averaged 17.3 yards per catch and hauled in nine touchdowns in 2016. While he’s not a true No. 1 wide receiver, he’s an ideal complement and would finally give the Bears a vertical threat in their passing game. Ryan Pace was with the New Orleans Saints when Stills was drafted by the team in 2012, so Pace obviously knows him well. If Alshon Jeffery leaves (as expected), Stills would go a big way trying to help fill the void.

Kenny Britt, WR – Los Angeles Rams

After a few dismal seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Kenny Britt joined the Rams as a free agent in 2014. Despite subpar quarterback play, Britt arguably put together his three most productive seasons with the team, totaling 2,431 yards and 11 touchdowns (including his first career 1,000-yard season in 2016). He’s not an elite option, but on a team-friendly deal, he could be a good mentor to Kevin White and the Bears’ other young receivers. Even though he’s played eight seasons in the NFL, Britt is still only 28 years old.

Jack Doyle, TE – Indianapolis Colts

With Zach Miller seemingly always banged-up, it would behoove the Bears to bring in some more quality depth. Jack Doyle had a breakout season in 2016, catching 59 passes for 584 yards and five touchdowns. It’s a very thin free agent market for tight ends, so Doyle’s services might be coveted by many teams around the league. If they don’t break the bank for him, Doyle would be a nice addition to the Bears offense, and could eventually make Miller expendable. Like Britt, Doyle isn’t a true game-changer, but he would fit nicely into Dowell Loggain’s offense.

Matt Kalil, LT – Minnesota Vikings

There would be some risk signing Matt Kalil, but it could very well pay off. Kalil, the fourth-overall pick in the 2012 draft, missed all but two games last season due to a hip injury. Even before his injury, Kaili was inconsistent. He would flash Pro Bowl potential on one snap, but would get bulled over by a third-string pass rusher on the next. Ideally, the Bears would sign Kalil to a one-year, incentive-laden contract and have him around to compete with Charles Leno Jr. (and perhaps a rookie) for the left tackle spot.

Riley Reiff, OT – Detroit Lions

No one is going to mistake Riley Reiff for Anthony Munoz anytime soon, but he would immediately be the best tackle on the Bears roster. He’s versatile, having played both right and left tackle in his days with the Detroit Lions. He’s received above average grades from Pro Football Focus, and signing him away from a division rival wouldn’t be too bad either.

Next: Chicago Bears Free Agency: Targets on Defense

Josh McCown, QB – Cleveland Browns

I doubt this happens, but the Bears could do a lot worse than having Josh McCown around as a backup quarterback. While Brian Hoyer might be a better fit on the field, McCown (going on 38 years old) would be a better fit off of it, serving as an ideal mentor to whichever young quarterback the Bears draft. While a reunion doesn’t seem likely, it would actually make sense for both sides. For the right price, the Bears should strongly consider it.

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