The Chicago Bears knew going into the 2017 offseason that one of their most critical job was finding a way to upgrade the secondary. It was by far their biggest weakness on defense and perhaps their biggest on the entire roster. Not surprising when the makeup of the unit was older veterans like Tracey Porter, underwhelming projects like Adrian Amos and unproven rookies like Cre’Von LeBlanc and Deon Bush.
Somebody had to be signed who could bring some credibility to the back end. Someone who could take some of the pressure off the front seven while also adding more juice to the teams’ ability to provide stable coverage. Chicago finished with just 11 total takeaways, a franchise worst. It seems they’ve pinpointed the man they want for that job in cornerback Prince Amukamara.
Bears will be signing former Giants, Jags CB Prince Amukamara, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 10, 2017
He’s no superstar, but he helps them take a gigantic step in the right direction. His coverage is steady and if given a solid pass rush he’s shown an ability to force turnovers. Put in the hands of Vic Fangio, this could be a quality move. Amukamara had at least 10 passes defended and an interception in each of his last three years with the New York Giants. He earned a 76.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. For context that would be three points better than any of the current corners on the Bears roster.
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Now if the team can add more pieces around him, they’ll be in business. A Prince Amukamara Bears marriage should be interesting, if nothing else.
