Chicago Bears: Offseason needs, targets and possible moves for 2019

Potential targets to target

The Bears probably don’t bring everyone back next season. What happens next? Here are some possible targets the front office can go after, both free agents and prospects.

Free agents

Kareem Jackson, Cornerback

Jackson is up there in age (he’ll turn 31 years old in April), but he can add flexibility to the defense. He is a natural cornerback, but this season he moved over to safety. He played both positions with the Houston Texans this season. He might not be a starter, but he can be on the field for a lot of snaps. The Bears defense depends on Fangio to be able to move his players around and give different looks. He can definitely do that with Jackson.

In 2018 Jackson recorded a career-high 87 tackles, two interceptions and a sack. The Texans want to bring him back but they have about 15 free agents they have to make decisions on. There may not be enough money to go around. He’d fit in well with the Bears.

Lamarcus Joyner, Safety

Joyner recorded a career-high 78 tackles in 2018. He added an interception and a sack. He is a very athletic safety. Continuing the theme of flexibility, Joyner can play cornerback and linebacker in addition to safety. Pairing him with Jackson would give the Bears a very strong defensive secondary.

Draft prospects

David Edwards, Offensive tackle

As I mentioned, the Chicago Bears don’t have a pick until the third round of the draft. If they are looking for first-round talent later (as they did with Jackson), they should look at Edwards.

Edwards considered entering the 2018 draft and he was expected to be a first-round pick but decided to go back to Wisconsin for his senior season. That decision might have hurt his stock but could help the Bears. Edwards measures in at 6-7 and weighs 320 pounds. He is a pretty athletic lineman. Incredibly, he was a 215-pound quarterback at Downers Grove North High School.

Darrell Henderson, Running back

Henderson had an incredible 2018 season. He racked up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He added 25 touchdowns and averaged an obscene 8.9 yards per carry. He is a Kareem Hunt type of running back who can add value to the passing game. Having him and Cohen together gives the Bears one of the most athletic backfields in the NFL.

At 5-9 and just over 200 pounds, Henderson isn’t the biggest back. What he has is incredible toughness and balance. Also, he uses his vision to get to the open hole quicker than other, speedier runners.

The Chicago Bears have some big decisions to make this offseason. The difference this year, however, is that they are reloading and not rebuilding. They have a bright future if the team makes the right decisions again.