The 2018 Chicago Bears free agency period has entered a period of hibernation. Preparations have shifted towards the NFL draft with less than one month to go. This hasn’t allowed people to truly stop and assess the work done by the front office and coaches in upgrading the roster with new talent.
That is where this article comes in. It will take a look at the majority of the deals they’ve made up to this point, determine which were the best and which probably could’ve been better. All things considered the results in general came out favorable for the Bears and their hopes for this season.
Best deal: WR Allen Robinson
It was the move the Bears absolutely had to pull off and they got it done. This deal for Allen Robinson is one of those rare signings where the money didn’t matter as much as getting the player. Robinson has All-Pro caliber ability when he’s healthy. His mixture of size and route running skill make him a threat defenses won’t be able to ignore. Even then the Bears managed to get him at $14 million per year.
That’s a lot but it still only makes him the 11th-highest paid receiver in the league. Kansas City gave Sammy Watkins, whom Robinson is superior to, $16 million per year.
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Worst deal: CB Prince Amukamara
Retaining Kyle Fuller was absolutely the right thing to do. He was one of the best defensive players on the field last year. Keeping Prince Amukamara was by no means a bad decision. He played well enough to earn that right. However, it’s hard not to feel like the Bears might’ve rewarded him a little too well.
Keep in mind he didn’t have a single interception last year and he’s also approaching 30-years old. To give him $9 million per year is somewhat excessive, especially given the favorable marks this upcoming draft class is getting. Amukamara is now getting paid $500,000 more than Chris Harris Jr., who reached three Pro Bowls and has a ring.
Biggest bargain: EDGE Aaron Lynch
Aaron Lynch looked like the perfect pet project for Vic Fangio back in 2014. The rookie edge rusher had six sacks that year. Unfortunately, Fangio was released the next season and Lynch hasn’t been able to reach that next level since. This reunion gives the two a huge chance to pick up where they left off.
For the Bears, it’s a win-win situation. Lynch is still young and has a chance to become a top quality pass rusher. They sorely need help at that position. To get him on a one-year deal for just $4 million in what was a competitive market? That’s a job well done. If Lynch performs well the team can easily extend him before next year.
Most confusing: P Pat O’Donnell
It’s hard to understand why the Bears continue to go back to Pat O’Donnell. He’s mediocre. There is no hiding this. Was he slightly improved in 2017? Yes, but it wasn’t enough to make a significant difference. It feels like this team can do significantly better at that position if they just put a tiny bit of effort into it.
Hell, Marquette King is so much better and he just became available. The Bears could easily have scooped him up (and still can) had they waited rather than handing O’Donnell a new $1.5 million deal. The only saving grace is it’s for one year, so the penalty wouldn’t be severe if they made a swap.
Underrated move: K Cody Parkey
Clearly, Ryan Pace got tired of tiptoeing around the problem at kicker and decided to fix it. In truth, he should’ve signed Cody Parkey last season but there’s no sense complaining now. He’s locked up for the long-term in Chicago and people should be happy about it. This is a Pro Bowl-caliber talent who is 26-years old.
If he stays healthy the Bears are secure at that position for the next decade. No, that’s not an exaggeration. Parkey is that good. He’s the eighth-highest paid kicker right now but in a year or two, that ranking is going to drop. So Pace got his guy at a favorable price. This kid has the leg and accuracy that will remind lots of people of Robbie Gould.
