Aaron Lynch was signed in free agency with one goal. That was to help the Chicago Bears supplement their defensive pass rush. Though he’s struggled in recent years in that department, the 24-year old has a history with Vic Fangio. One that showed a lot of promise in their brief time together. Reuniting them could regain some of that magic. It’s not a bad idea in theory.
The problem is he’s done next to nothing of consequence since he arrived. Lynch tweaked his hamstring during minicamps and OTAs, forcing him to wait until training camp to return. Then the moment things got going, he reaggravated the injury. Lynch is no good to them if he can’t stay on the field. It’s becoming evident why the Bears wisely signed him to a one-year deal.
This can’t be expected to linger on for much longer. Right now Leonard Floyd is the only pass rusher the team has of any consequence in camp. Isaiah Irving? Kylie Fitts? Neither has flashed enough to warrant this wait-and-see attitude. One has to believe GM Ryan Pace plans to make some sort of move soon.
If and when that time comes, here’s a list of names they’re likely to pinpoint depending on their strategy of choice.
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Free agency options:
Lamarr Houston
This is the most logical move the Bears can make at present. Houston has deep familiarity with Vic Fangio’s defense, having played in it at different intervals from 2015 to 2017. The veteran rusher seems to like the scheme.
In 23 career games under Fangio, he had 12 totals sacks. That a better ratio than any other system he’s played in by a wide margin. The question is why won’t the Bears make this move? Do they not want him back? Is his asking price too high or does he not want to return?
Junior Galette
There are plenty of red flags that come with this idea, but the Bears are in a beggars-can’t-be-choosers situation. At one point in time Galette was one of the better edge rushers in the NFL. He had 22 sacks in 2013 and 2014 with the New Orleans Saints.
After that? It was a host of injury woes that ultimately robbed him of two entire seasons in 2015 and 2016. Not until last year did he finally return to action where he had three sacks. At age 30, it’s hard to tell if he has one more good year in him or if the injuries tapped his body too much.
Erik Walden with a cross face chicken wing on Russell Wilson that would make Bob Backlund proud. #Titans pic.twitter.com/XyBr2ItUcA
— SoBros Network (@SoBrosNetwork) September 24, 2017
Erik Walden
This is a name that often gets lost in the shuffle. Mostly because he’s either been relegated to backup duties or played on bad teams. When he’s gotten a chance to play significant snaps, Erik Walden has shown he can be a productive pass rusher. It’s worth noting he has 12 sacks in the past 18 games he’s started. While he does turn 33-years old this season, there’s no harm in signing him to a one-year deal for critical depth.
Trade options:
Shane Ray (Denver Broncos)
This is a name that’s been mentioned in trade circles for months. Ever since the Denver Broncos drafted Bradley Chubb with their fifth overall pick back in April, the clock began to tick for Shane Ray. That was made even clearer when the team chose not to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
Shane Ray "beats the drum", clubs/jump cuts past blocker. Check hand placement on club #Broncos
🎥@WillieCashmore pic.twitter.com/DBjuRQNv9z
— DLineVids (@DLineVids) August 19, 2017
Ray has battled wrist issues the past couple years. Reports are he’s finally on the rebound but it’s unclear if the Broncos are ready to shop him. They could wait until midseason to see if they can up his value or may just let him play out his deal.
Carl Nassib (Cleveland Browns)
Now that Myles Garrett is firmly entrenched and Emmanuel Ogbah is back healthy, it’s left former third round pick Carl Nassib in a sort of limbo. Some even feel he could be cut given his questionable fit in the Cleveland Browns 4-3 system. He might be better suited to outside linebacker in a 3-4 which was actually the original scheme he was drafted to play in. This might be the sort of young, upside player who could thrive with a change of scenery and it’s almost a guarantee the Bears would get him for exceedingly cheap.
Possible cut options:
John Simon (Indianapolis Colts)
The guy just has some bad luck. He finally got a chance to become a starter on defense after years of reserve work in Houston. Despite being limited to nine games he was the best playmaker on a bad defense with three sacks and an interception for a touchdown. Simon is now part of a system that’s shifting to a 4-3.
If the Colts cut OLB John Simon, it wouldn't surprise me for the Steelers to show interest. They need all the help they can get. https://t.co/g3q7SjcRef pic.twitter.com/JOhAc9Ll1Y
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) June 25, 2018
He will be a defensive end, which given his shorter stature doesn’t seem like a possibility. Hence the buzz that he could be cut. If the Bears are looking for a try-hard guy that gets more pressure than his sack count indicates, they would do well to sign him.
Shaq Lawson (Buffalo Bills)
Another former high draft choice designated to play in one system who suddenly found himself having to play in another. Shaq Lawson was drafted by Rex Ryan to play in a 3-4 but last year had to switch to a 4-3 defensive end. Throw in nagging injury problems on top of that, it’s little wonder the Buffalo Bills may consider cutting him.
Lawson doesn’t seem to be on the best terms with the new coaching staff. If a trade partner can’t be found, he could hit the market where the Bears would have a chance to get a young ex-first round pick for cheap.
Carroll Phillips (Jacksonville Jaguars)
It feels like Carroll Phillips has been stuck on the wrong roster since he got to the NFL. While the Jacksonville Jaguars are an excellent defensive team. They’re stacked at edge rusher, and also feature a 4-3 system. Phillips never had the size to play that position coming out of Illinois.
Anybody who watched him at the Senior Bowl could see he had the body and skill set of a future 3-4 outside linebacker. If he gets cut, it would make perfect sense for him to come back to his home state to provide depth for its team.
