This 2019 offseason may require a bit more finesse from Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace than normal. His resources are severely lacking compared to previous seasons. Not only does he have only five total draft picks, but also a limited amount of cap space. This could mean he may be forced to scour the market for potential bargains. Veteran players who can fill key roles in the short-term until more favorable circumstances arise.
One of the spots this may be perfect for is the third edge rusher position. As things stand, the Bears have two quality outside linebackers in Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd. Behind them though is where it gets dicey. Aaron Lynch is a free agent. Sam Acho is in his 30s and coming off a season-ending injury. Kylie Fitts did next to nothing as a rookie. This team needs another option at that position.
It’s often in these cases where good teams look for possible cheap veterans who can fill the void on a temporary basis. A great example is the Philadelphia Eagles. They traded for 33-year old Michael Bennett for a late round pick who was on the last year of his deal and ended up getting nine sacks out of him. Is there somebody out there who can do the same for the Bears?
Perhaps, especially if something expected soon happens down in Miami.
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Chicago Bears Robert Quinn connection may soon be possible
Once upon a time, Quinn was one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL. He had 40 sacks from 2012 to 2014. Since then he seems to have lost some of his juice with just 24 since 2015. It’s why the Los Angeles Rams traded him. The Miami Dolphins had hoped they might be able get him back to near his old form.
In the end, they did get a full season and 6.5 sacks but word is they aren’t interested in paying his inflated contract any longer. The Miami Herald reported there is a strong belief he will be cut in the near future as part of a massive rebuild.
“Here’s what’s clear: The Dolphins assuredly will move on from Robert Quinn (saving $12.9 million in cap space) and likely Andre Branch (saving $7 million, with a $2 million cap hit). A rebuilding team seems less than the ideal place for Cam Wake, though his return cannot completely be ruled out.”
Quinn isn’t a traditional 3-4 outside linebacker. He’s played his entire career as a 4-3 end. However, he is at that stage where his likely role moving forward will be purely served as a pass rusher. In this, the Bears should have every reason to pursue him. His price is unlikely to be too high and he’s proven he can still be good for 6-8 sacks per year. One could call that a significant upgrade over Aaron Lynch.
