The Chicago Bears 2018 free agent targets list figures to be extensive. GM Ryan Pace will have upwards of $38 million to spend when the market opens as is. If he were to make a few no brainer cuts like Mike Glennon and Markus Wheaton, that number would grow considerably. So there is no concern about whether the Bears will be active.
This is especially true with a new coaching staff coming in. They’ll have their own designs on what types of players they want. However, Pace is still the man running the show. Smart money says he’ll continue to operate as he has the past three years. He’ll spread the wealth around, seeking out second tier free agents who have the capacity to grow into better players.
That’s how he landed Akiem Hicks in 2016 but then again people aren’t thrilled with some of his other swings. Nonetheless it begs the question. Who are some lesser-known free agents that look like clear Pace-type targets? Here are a few to keep an eye on.
Paul Richardson (WR, Seattle Seahawks)
One thing about Pace is he always likes to target younger free agents who appear to be ascending in their careers. If he holds to that method than he’ll notice Paul Richardson right away. The former second round pick was a non-factor through the first three years of his career thanks in large part to injury issues and a strong depth chart. This season though he’s broken out with 703 yards and six touchdowns. He showcases a mix of quickness, speed and strong hands that have produced some truly memorable big plays for his team.
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Donte Moncrief (WR, Indianapolis Colts)
It really feels like Donte Moncrief could never catch a break with the Colts. Things were starting to take off for him in 2015 when he posted 733 yards and six touchdowns. Then nagging injuries both to himself and Andrew Luck have slowed his progress over the past two years. The good news is he still has plenty of time to regain his momentum. He doesn’t turn 25-years old until August of this year. There’s nothing flashy about his game but he is solid in every category and seems to have a strong presence in the red zone.
Jeremiah Attaochu (DE, Los Angeles Chargers)
A former second round pick, Jeremiah Attaochu was drafted to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. That was the position he was meant to play. It looked like things were headed that way for him in 2015 when he notched six sacks. Then things took a turn. The next year the Chargers drafted Joey Bosa, relegating Attaochu to a reserve role. Then this past season their coaching staff changed, as did the defensive scheme to a 4-3 alignment. If ever there was a promising young player in need of a fresh start, this is it.
David Irving (DT, Dallas Cowboys)
The Bears have something special brewing on the defensive line with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman in place. They have to be thinking if they can add one more quality body to that front three they could really take control of the line of scrimmage. David Irving has done his damage as a 4-3 defensive tackle to this point, but at 6’7″, 290 lbs he is more than capable of switch to a 3-4 end role. His size and ability to rush the passer alongside Hicks and Goldman could form a devastating combination. He had seven sacks in eight games this season.
Nickell Robey-Coleman (CB, Los Angeles Rams)
Something to keep in mind is the Bears cornerback position could potentially be gutted this off-season. Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan are their top three guys. All three are free agents. Replacing them will be difficult unless Pace begins working on extensions soon. If Callahan ends up being one they lose, Nickell Robey-Coleman not only could replace him but actually be an upgrade. He’s been an outstanding nickel corner for the Rams in 2017 with two interceptions and nine passes defended.
