Chicago Bears: 2018 NFL free agency preview, predictions
Possible free agent targets
Now that we’ve established that the Chicago Bears have pretty deep pockets entering free agents, let’s take a look at some free agent targets. While there are some areas that are thin at targets, there are some solid choices. Here are a few:
Andrew Norwell, OG
The Bears could go with a guard in the draft. Of course, Jordan Morgan, who took a redshirt season in his rookie season this year, could be ready to step in. He could be a rotational player for now. With that being said, Andrew Norwell is a good option.
Norwell could kill two birds with one stone. He’s an excellent run blocker on the interior line. That helps Jordan Howard continue to excel. Also, Norwell is strong enough to keep Trubisky protected in the middle.
Malcolm Butler, CB: Career stats = 209 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 8 interceptions
Malcolm Butler is the New England Patriots’ hero from the 2015 Super Bowl. In this year’s Super Bowl, however, he fell out of favor with head coach Bill Belichick. For some unknown reason, Belichick decided he didn’t need Butler in the secondary. Rumors ran rampant about the reasons, from staying out past curfew to marijuana use, but nothing specific came out. Some even speculated the Patriots just tried to lower his value.
Whatever the case, it looks like Butler will be the top cornerback free agent. The Bears could pass on Fuller. If they do, they could pair Butler with Amukamara. Amukamara would be the Bears’ big corner. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves to change coverages, so he could take advantage of Butler’s ability to play both man-to-man and zone skillfully.
Allen Robinson, WR: Career stats = 202 receptions, 2,848 yards, 22 touchdowns
With Jarvis Landry off the market, Allen Robinson probably becomes the most attractive free agent wide receiver. At 6-3, 220 pounds, he provides the quarterback a big target. He is effective catching at any level, short intermediate, or long. His size also helps in the end zone.
Robinson could go the route Landry went. The Jacksonville Jaguars could slap the franchise tag on him, taking him off the market as well. It’s a big decision, however, as they also have Marqise Lee. The Jaguars could tag one, but not both. Robinson is coming off ACL surgery so he may be a risk. He’s just 24 years old, though, so recovering from that major injury is better at such an early age.
Paul Richardson, WR: Career stats = 95 receptions, 1,302 yards, 8 touchdowns
Paul Richardson had a breakout season in 2017, recording 44 catches for 703 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Seattle Seahawks are in a cash crunch so they probably can’t afford to keep him. At 25, he’s about to hit his prime. His 2017 production could be a sign of things to come. He has good hands and would be a good deep threat for Trubisky.
Tahir Whitehead, OLB: Career stats = 389 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions
Acquiring Tahir Whitehead helps on two ends — it improves the Bears defense and weakens the Detroit Lions. Whitehead is a tackling machine. He is good against the run and the pass and would be a good addition to Fangio’s defense.
Sheldon Richardson, DT: 284 tackles, 19 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 1 interception
When Sheldon Richardson got to the NFL he was a force. His best season was in 2014 when he had 8 sacks. The New York Jets thought they had themselves a tackle wreaking havoc for years afterward. The seasons since weren’t nice to Richardson. He suffered injuries and off-field trouble. He was solid with the Seahawks in 2017, making him someone teams make take a flyer on. He’d be a good low-risk, high reward who’d take a “prove it” incentive-laden contract.
Playing opposite of Akiem Hicks could be what the doctor ordered for Richardson. Those two on the edge give the Bears a dangerous front line on defense.
Next: 5 Outside linebacker targets in free agency
This will be an important offseason for the Chicago Bears. They will be a player in free agency. Hopefully, Ryan Pace and company make the right choices and we look back at this offseason as the one that ushered in a new era of Bears football.