The Chicago Bears went into 2019 free agency hoping they might have a chance to keep cornerback Bryce Callahan. However, as can often happen, the market dictated otherwise. It’s clear top nickel corners are getting massive paydays this year and expectations are Callahan will be one of them. So GM Ryan Pace had to find an alternative.
He didn’t wait long in doing so. The Bears quickly scooped up veteran slot corner Buster Skrine, recently of the New York Jets. No one will say he’s better or even as good as Callahan. He struggled quite a bit towards the latter stages of his time there. However, he’ll be coming to a defense that will fit his aggressive style and a defensive coordinator known for having a knack with defensive backs.
#Bears are signing former #Jets CB Buster Skrine, sources tell me and @PSchrags. Surely means Bryce Callahan is gone from Chicago.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 11, 2019
It’s a 3-year deal worth $16.5M with $8.5M guaranteed, source said. https://t.co/l6eCOqpWhm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2019
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#Bears coach Matt Nagy in October on nickel back Buster Skrine, who is now expected to be signed: "He’s one of the better nickels in this league, if not the best. I mean, he’s good. He’s a good nickel in there."
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) March 11, 2019
Obviously a lot of people aren’t thrilled about this but it’s important not to forget something. The core of this Bears team isn’t going anywhere. Their defense still has Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, Eddie Goldman, Danny Trevathan, Kyle Fuller, and Roquan Smith. It’s not going to suddenly get terrible because Callahan is gone.
This is what being a good team is like in the NFL. Sometimes you’ll have to make difficult sacrifices for the greater good. Skrine may not be what Callahan was but he should at least be able to offer functional depth. Also one must not forget they still have Sherrick McManis who filled that slot role well when Callahan was hurt. They will be fine. Take a breath.
