Chicago Bears Make Strong Move by Signing Pernell McPhee

By Dan Schmelzer | Mar 9, 2015

Under new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Chicago Bears are heading towards a major transition on the defensive side of the ball. Fangio is bringing his 3-4 defense to the Windy City, but the Bears have been a traditional 4-3 team for many years. This means that the defense will need a lot of new blood in 2015, and according to many reports the first shoe has dropped.

First reported by Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Bears have signed linebacker Pernell McPhee to a “five-year contract worth nearly $40 million.”

More from Chicago Bears

The 26-year-old McPhee is one of the best pass rushers on the open market. He was a bit of a luxury player for the Baltimore Ravens last season, and with their tight cap situation, the team was unable to retain his services.

McPhee was mostly used in specific pass rush scenarios last season as a versatile back-up to Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. According to Wilson, “McPhee played roughly half of the Ravens’ defensive snaps (in 2014).”

Despite being a part-time player, McPhee totaled 7.5 sacks for the Ravens last season. Even when he wasn’t bringing them down, McPhee seemed to get consistent pressure on the quarterback.

“McPhee had 64 quarterback pressures last season and 24 quarterback hits while lining up everywhere from nose tackle to defensive end,” Wilson writes. “The 6-foot-3, 280-pound McPhee has versatility and combination of size and mobility that makes him attractive to NFL teams.”

While he was the primary back-up to Suggs and Dumervil as an outside linebacker, McPhee saw plenty of time on the defensive line as well. He was a dynamic athlete from the 3-4 defensive end position, and while it was for a limited amount of snaps, McPhee played some time at nose tackle as well. With the Bears just beginning this transition to 3-4, McPhee’s versatility and experience in the system is invaluable.

While he is best known as a pass rusher, McPhee has also shown nice ability against the run, especially when he plays on the defensive line. McPhee is also a very hard working player on and off the field. He has nice athleticism to go along with a relentless motor, always a good combination.

McPhee also plays with a bit of an angry streak, and is a very physical player who is known for destroying quarterbacks in the backfield.

New General Manager Ryan Pace and Fox said back in February that the team plans to move Willie Young, Jared Allen and Lamarr Houston from defensive end to outside linebacker in this transition to a 3-4 defense. That being said, McPhee is expected to take most of his snaps at the pass rushing outside linebacker position, creating a possible surplus at the position.

Bears’ pass rushers Willie Young and Jared Allen celebrate a sack by Young. Are both players moveable after the Bears sign Pernell McPhee? Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Young had 10 sacks as a defensive end for the Bears last season, and could be an attractive trade target for a 3-4 team. The Bears could also receive some interest if they made Allen available, as he has been a 4-3 defensive end throughout his 11-year NFL career.

The signing of McPhee gives the Bears plenty of options going forward. They would likely be able to get a nice haul of draft picks if they decide to deal Young and Allen, allowing them to draft prospects who fit their needs on a 3-4.

More than anything, McPhee gives the Bears a young pass rusher who has his prime years ahead of him. He has massive upside going forward, and is a strong piece for Fox and Fangio to build their defense around.

Expect more moves from the Bears this off season, as they will address this 3-4 transition throughout free agency and the draft. With the signing of McPhee, the Bears’ defensive transition is off to a fantastic start.

Next: 5 Questions Facing the Chicago Bears

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Chicago Bears