Predicting the Chicago Bears 2019 free agency moves

Moves to make with the newfound cap space

Now that the Bears hit the market with about $27 million how do they use it? They have the two main priorities in cornerback Bryce Callahan and safety Adrian Amos. Do they sign both, or do they let one of them walk? If they do let one walk, which player do they keep?

Also, now that Howard is gone the Bears need a proper replacement. Additionally, they need to add depth along both the offensive and defensive lines. Some of that will be helped by the draft, but some of it also has to be helped through free agency.

Here are players who should garner the Bears’ attention:

T.J. Yeldon, Running Back — Yeldon could be a perfect fit for this offense. He has the size (6-1, 225 pounds) to run the ball effectively. In addition, he can catch the ball coming out of the backfield. In 2018, he had 55 catches for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He played backup to Leonard Fournette but has the ability to start. At 25, he is just entering his prime.

Yeldon had difficulty at the end of the season with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2018. Jacksonville Executive Vice President Tom Coughlin wanted to make him an example and called him out for sitting the final game in which he wasn’t playing. The entire 2018 Jaguars season was a farce and other than the final game controversy there aren’t any red flags. I am confident that he’ll be fine and could thrive in a Chicago Bears offense with a good line and a good quarterback.

Tre Boston, Safety — The market for safeties is deep this offseason. There are plenty to choose from so the chances of grabbing a bargain are good. The Bears won’t go for the high-priced players like Ha Ha Clinton Dix, Tyrann Mathieu and Lamarcus Joyner. The Eric Reid signing (three years, $22 million with $10 million guaranteed) set the bar high, and that may move Amos out of Chicago.

Of all the safeties, there are two I think the Bears go after. One would be Amos. He is familiar with the system and complements Eddie Jackson. The other would be Boston. He’s shown over his career that he’s a good safety. In the past two seasons, he recorded 158 tackles, 8 interceptions and 17 passes defended.

Aaron Lynch, Linebacker — Lynch did a good job in a rotational role. He played fewer snaps but had a good season. He had 16 tackles, three sacks and an interception. He almost avoided the injury bug, but got hurt late in the season and missed the final two regular season games and the playoff game.

I think if the Bears use the same formula with Lynch he’ll again play well. The injury bug may hit, but he can still be a valuable asset for the defense.

Jake Fisher, Offensive Tackle — The Bears need added depth on the line. Fisher was a second-round pick in the 2015 draft. He hasn’t panned out as a starter but could do well in a rotational role. This could be a bargain signing.

Bryce Callahan — As I mentioned earlier, I think the Chicago Bears hang on to Callahan and probably decide to let Amos walk. If there aren’t any safeties they like, however, they could still keep Amos. In this scenario, though, Amos leaves. Callahan was excellent as the Bears’ slot cornerback. He does have an injury history, however, and that will keep his price tag lower than expected.

Stephen Gostkowski, Kicker — This will be the Bears’ biggest splash in free agency. I know everyone wants Robbie Gould back. Even Gould wants to come back. That won’t happen, however. There is no way the San Francisco 49ers let go of a kicker who made 82 of his last 85 field goal attempts.

The Bears, meanwhile, have had a string of kickers come in and fail since they let Gould go in 2016. They thought that would change with the signing of Parkey, but, well, let’s not rehash that.

Gostkowski is what the Bears need — he is a Pro Bowl and an All-Pro kicker and a three-time champion. He’s made a plethora of big game kicks and the Bears desperately need that. The Bears may have to pay a little more for him but it’s worth it. The New England Patriots are notorious for not paying too much for their players and I don’t think they’ll start with a kicker.

If by chance Gostkowski is not available they may look into drafting Matt Gay out of Utah. If they want to sign a veteran the fans could back who isn’t named Robbie Gould, Gostkowski is the one they should target.

All these players can help the Chicago Bears win games in 2019. Also, they are mid-to-lower tier players so they can be had at good prices (maybe except for Gostkowski). Add in some draft choices and the 2019 season can bring even more happiness than 2018 did.