Chicago Bears Free Agency 2017: Grading Each Signing
By David Mamola
Highly active in 2017 NFL free agency, grading each of the Chicago Bears signings to this point in the offseason
The Chicago Bears have been busy in 2017 NFL free agency, signing 11 new players for the upcoming season. The Bears have swung and missed with some of the bigger free agent names, and as a result, it seems like they have more “quantity” than “quality.”
Related Story: Projecting Bears' Offensive Starters Post-Free Agency
Some of their signings figure to make significant impact on the upcoming 2017 season, while some aren’t even assured a spot on the 53-man roster. With this being said, let’s take a look at who the Bears have signed and the grade for each free agent:
Mike Glennon, QB
Grade: C
An average grade for an average quarterback. Not much is expected from the 6-7 signal caller, as he’s best viewed as a placeholder for the young quarterback the team will (hopefully) draft. The contract is constructed in such a way that the Bears can bail after one season and not take too much of a hit financially. If Glennon plays well, great; if he doesn’t, he’ll be on the street next offseason.
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Mark Sanchez, QB,
Grade: C-
The fit is a bit odd. Sanchez surely will not be competing for the starting job, so his primary role will be a backup. If Glennon gets hurt, however, wouldn’t most Bears’ fans want to see the young drafted quarterback (or even Connor Shaw) takes snaps instead? At this stage of his career, Sanchez is more of a mentor.
Quintin Demps, SS
Grade: B+
Yes, Demps’ age is a drawback, but he’s immediately the best safety on the roster. Demps is a turnover machine, something the Bears desperately need. Drafting a safety is probably still needed, but Demps has dramatically improved the position.
Dion Sims, TE
Grade: D
The Bears threw a ton of money ($10 million guaranteed) at a tight end who’s primarily a blocker. Sims has some upside, but with Zach Miller still on the roster, his growth figures to be stunted. There were a lot of other tight ends (i.e. Jared Cook, Jack Doyle, etc.) that would have been a better fit.
Prince Amukamara, CB
Grade: B+
Given a one-year deal worth $7 million guaranteed, Amukamara is penciled in as one starting corner. He’s had trouble staying healthy, but Amukamara is a former first-round pick who has flashed upside. His length is coveted by Vic Fangio, and he’s still in his prime. A one-year deal minimizes some of Amukamara’s injury risk.
Marcus Cooper, CB
Grade: B-
Cooper is coming off his best season and is definitely trending in the right direction. Like Amukamara, Coper has the size that Fangio covets, as well as the swagger that most corners need. His three-year contract means that he should be starting opposite Amukamara Week 1.
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Markus Wheaton, WR
Grade: D
If Wheaton can’t have success in the Steelers pass-happy offense, why do the Bears think he can have success in theirs? He lacks ideal size, and he’s coming off an injury-riddled 2016 campaign. His arrow is not pointing up, and although he’s still young, his best days are probably behind him. A two-year, $11 million contract seems pretty silly.
Tom Compton, OT
Grade: C-
Compton is a journeyman who will compete for a spot on the 53-man roster. He’ll push Charles Leno for a starting spot, but if Compton ends up starting Week 1, let’s just say it’s going to be a very long season.
Kendall Wright, WR
Grade: B+
He’s on a one-year deal, so there’s not much risk. Wright had a 1,000-yard season in 2012, and gives the Bears a true vertical threat. With the receiving corps in flux, he could see significant snaps this upcoming season (and possibly even start). Will Wright come close to 1,000 yards in 2017? Probably not, but he’s worth a flyer.
John Jenkins, NT
Grade: C+
A mountain of a man, Jenkins is a true run-stuffer who gives the Bears a nice depth piece along the defensive line. With Eddie Goldman’s lengthy injury history, the Bears may end up relying on Jenkins more than they would like.
Next: Projecting Bears' Defensive Starters Post-Free Agency
Benny Cunningham, RB/KR
Grade: B-
Not much risk here. There’s no guarantee that Cunningham cracks the opening day roster, but if he does, it will most likely come at the expense of incumbent kick returner Deonte Thompson. The Bears could definitely use an upgrade in their return game, and while Cunningham won’t challenge Devin Hester’s records, he could be a solid option.