Chicago Bears: 3 Bargains to target in 2019 NFL free agency

3. Kony Ealy, DE

Kony Ealy was viewed as a young, rising star early in his career with the Carolina Panthers, but his star has faded quickly as his career has progressed. He never was able to put it all together, and he is coming off an absolutely abysmal year with the Oakland Raiders.

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However, what can make a struggling pass rusher look a whole lot better? Lining them up on the opposite side of one of the best pass rushers in the game in Khalil Mack.

Ealy has some size and versatility that could allow him to line up with a hand in the dirt, or they could choose to stand him up as a rotational edge rusher. The key for him will be to show that he can try hard on a consistent basis. He has the talent to be a good player off the edge, but he just hasn’t put in the work to get himself there. With Chicago, he can focus on that development to improve his value.

Even better, Ealy fits within the team’s budget because he likely won’t be able to command any serious money in free agency. He also should want to come to the Bears for the opportunity that he is presented with the talent that is already on the roster. It gives him a chance to compete for the playoffs and more. If he wants too much money, they could look elsewhere, but Ealy is a young option with some upside waiting to be tapped.