Chicago Bears: 5 Outside linebacker targets in 2018 NFL Free Agency

The Chicago Bears need to address outside linebacker in the 2018 offseason, and here are some free agents that could help Vic Fangio’s group.

Many people feel that the Chicago Bears‘ priority in the offseason is overhauling the offense. While that may be the case, they also have some questions on defense that need to be addressed. One of those questions is at outside linebacker.

The Bears currently have Pernell McPhee opposite Leonard Floyd. McPhee can earn over $8 million this season. In his three seasons in Chicago, McPhee missed 12 games. As a result, he’s only recorded 14 sacks. Paying him over $8 million may be something the Bears don’t want to make.

Should the Bears decide to cut ties with McPhee, general manager Ryan Pace has a big decision to make. He could replace McPhee through free agency, or decide to draft that replacement.

There are pros and cons for either scenario. By drafting a prospect, you get a young, controllable player. The problem is that having another young player in Floyd may make the outside linebacker spot a bit too raw. Getting a veteran opposite Floyd may help in Floyd’s development. The vet would be a good anchor. Of course, being a free agent, he could be overpriced.

In this scenario, we have the Bears going the free agent route. They’ll get the veteran. Here are five options at outside linebacker the Bears should target: