The Chicago Bears can’t be expected to do any big spending this offseason. So it’ll be a lot of calculated bargain deals by GM Ryan Pace. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He has thrived in such an environment before, able to find hidden gems in places others may not look. Nowhere has he proven better than this than the defensive line. Two of his most recent examples being Mario Edwards Jr. and Brent Urban.
Now he is tinkering again. According to Ian Rapoport, the Bears came to terms on a two-year deal with veteran defensive tackle Angelo Blackson. The 28-year old had a solid season as a rotational player in Arizona. He finished with 2.5 sacks, eight QB hits, and 12 pressures. There is also plenty of evidence of him standing out as a solid run defender. With Roy Robertson-Harris leaving for Jacksonville and Brent Urban a free agent, this move makes sense.
The #Bears have agreed to terms with defensive linemen Angelo Blackson on a 2-year contract, source said. A productive player this year for AZ, now an addition to a talented Chicago defensive front.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2021
Blackson certainly has the size to fit in.
At 6’4, 320 lbs he is a big human being but moves surprisingly well for his size. A 4th round pick in 2015, he’s worked his way across multiple rosters. First in Tennessee, then Houston, and most recently in Arizona. During that time he has built experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments. So he won’t be walking into anything unfamiliar with the Bears.
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It will be interesting to see how he’s employed. Chris Rumph is their new defensive line coach. Somebody with a long, productive track record. Blackson is the first new face added to the mix under his watch. What sort of role does he have in mind for the veteran? That is to be determined. Either way, the Bears defensive front appears relatively set barring another move.
Angelo Blackson wasting no time 😤 @AZCardinals
📺 #AZvsSEA on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO pic.twitter.com/QJ4oQXOJRj
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 20, 2020
Angelo Blackson (97) has had good play these first two weeks. Watch him dump the OG but needs to finish. Credit Henry for bouncing off the tackle. pic.twitter.com/qCnICWIwLi
— patrick (@PatDStat) September 18, 2018
Chicago Bears may be planning a bigger move
Rumors have persisted for months that the team may end up having to move Akiem Hicks out of town. This due to their salary cap constraints. Thus far the defensive leader remains firmly set on the roster but Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported there is a possibility he could be traded depending on what the Bears do with other cap maneuvers. In such a case add Blackson makes even more sense.
He isn’t a replacement for Hicks. Let that be made clear. He is depth who has starting experience if need be. The Chicago Bears would have to think bigger if they want to find somebody who could fill the void Hicks leaves behind. Thus far it hasn’t reached that point. As things stand, the starting lineup is set with Hicks, Bilal Nichols, and a returning Eddie Goldman. Edwards and now Blackson will fill in two key reserve spots.
So their defensive front looks in good shape.
It will be interesting to see what Pace has planned next. The offensive line is in need of some attention as well. They’ve lost a number of reserves to free agency and could use more competition at tackle even with the return of Germain Ifedi. Considering the somewhat immobile Andy Dalton is their new QB, the more talent they have there the better.
