Chicago Bears: 5 Free agents to sign before training camp

1. Cameron Wake, EDGE

The Chicago Bears have one of the most feared duo pass rushers in the NFL when they signed Robert Quinn to play alongside Khalil Mack. Both are elite pass rushers and playing together both could cause considerable harm to opposing offenses. There are questions behind them, however.

The Bears have James Vaughters and Barkevious Mingo as backups. Vaughters signed as an undrafted rookie last season. He spent most of the season bouncing from the practice squad and getting cut. In fact, the Bears cut him four times. He did play three games, however.

Mingo is a first-round pick who failed to live up to expectations. He signed a one-year deal with the Bears just a bit over the veteran minimum to try to revive his career.

As with the inside linebacker position, the depth is questionable. Mingo may be able to play well in a backup role but that’s a big “if” considering how underwhelming his career has been so far. We don’t know what Vaughters can do since he hasn’t done anything yet. It’ll be good if he could just stay on the roster. That isn’t a given yet.

There is a former five-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro player who is still available — Cameron Wake. Wake suffered a number of injuries in 2019 that limited him to just nine games.

Playing on an elite defense could certainly raise Wake’s stock. If healthy, he’ll be a terrific backup. With his skills, he could step in and play well in a pinch. He had a very good career with the Miami Dolphins and started out well with the Titans before injuries derailed him.