Chicago Bears: 2018 NFL free agency preview, predictions

4 of 5

Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images /

Key Bears free agents

The Bears have about 25 possible free agents they could re-sign. Of course, not all of them will return. The Bears need to make some big decisions, and some popular players will walk, shocking fans.

Kyle Fuller, CB: Career stats = 186 tackles, 8 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 41 passes defended

This is a big decision for the Bears. Fuller had a pretty good 2017 campaign, but does that erase his previous struggles?

Fuller had three interceptions in his first three games as a professional. He excited fans and coaches. However, he’s had five interceptions in his next 45 games. There’s also the entire 2016 season he sat out. He went in for a simple knee scope during camp and ended up skipping the season, even though the medical team cleared him to play. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio publicly called Fuller out.

After the 2017 season, is all forgiven? Fuller is still just 26, so is that season a sign of Fuller’s maturity, or was it just him trying to play for a contract? Glad I don’t make the call.

Prince Amukamara, CB: Career stats = 357 tackles, 7 interceptions, 58 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles

Amukamara signed a one-year, “prove it” contract. I think he proved it. He was an effective corner for the Bears. While he wasn’t flashy he was solid. His experience comes in handy. He took Fuller under his wings and showed him how to be a professional. The lesson could continue with Fuller, or he could share his knowledge with someone the Bears draft. He earned a new contract.

Christian Jones, ILB: Career stats = 241 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 forced fumble

WIth Freeman out, Christian Jones probably stays in Chicago. The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Coming out of Florida State he projected as a third-round pick, but a diluted drug test sample in the NFL Combine scared teams away.

Jones was solid in his first three seasons, but he had a breakout season in 2017 starting in place of Freeman. He ranked second on the team in tackles, just four behind his partner on the inside Danny Trevathan. Jones can more than handle his position. He’ll return and get even better.

Lamarr Houston, OLB: Career stats = 301 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 1 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 9 fumble recoveries

Lamarr Houston signed as a free agent in 2014. He missed eight games that year because of an ACL tear celebrating his only sack of the season. He came back in 2015 and recorded eight sacks. In 2016, he got injured again and played just two games.

Houston was having a good camp and preseason before another injury got him. The Bears cut him before the season started. He played five games for the Houston Texans before they cut him. He returned to Chicago and played well in the five games he played, recording four sacks.

I think Houston can do well in limited action. He adds some depth to the linebacker corps. In addition, having him play fewer snaps helps keep him healthy.

Dontrelle Inman, WR: Career stats = 137 receptions, 1,797 yards, 8 touchdowns

Dontrelle Inman played in eight games for the Bears after a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers. He showed flashes of being a dependable receiver. If only the coaching staff used him more we could know his playing ability better. Inman can grab big chunks of yards. He averaged 14.5 yards per catch with the Bears and owns a career 13.8 yards per catch.

Inman and perhaps Cameron Meredith could be the only receivers to return and play on the unit again.

Home/Chicago Bears