Chicago Bears have interest in Ryan Mundy, Mike Mitchell
Carolina Panthers free safety Mike Mitchell (21) reacts during the first quarter of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Bears have major needs in the secondary, especially with veteran cornerback Charles Tillman set to hit the free agent market. Their biggest needs are at the safety position, as Chris Conte and Major Wright were absolutely abysmal last season. I’m sure Mel Tucker’s shoddy coaching at something to do with that, but the Bears desperately need to add an impact safety.
The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs reports that the Bears are interested in Carolina Panthers impending free agent strong safety Mike Mitchell and New York Giants 29-year-old safety Ryan Mundy.
Mitchell looks like the much better option for the Bears, and I don’t see Mundy as enough of an upgrade for this team. They need a more talented safety, particularly one who is sure-handed in coverage as well. Mundy is more of an in-the-box safety, and he doesn’t make much sense at all for the Bears.
Although Mitchell isn’t the best fit for the Bears either, I think he would be a solid signing for Phil Emery. He’s 26, can play both safety positions, is a leader, hits hard, and was productive last year with 67 tackles, nine passes defended, and four sacks. There are better fits for the Bears than Mitchell, but those guys are also more expensive. As long as Mitchell is affordable, I would be a fan of the Bears adding him.