The Chicago Bears have question marks on their roster just like other teams. Yet theirs seem to be in some troubling areas. None more so than cornerback. After releasing Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine, the team hasn’t really found replacements to play alongside Jaylon Johnson. Guys like Kindle Vildor, Artie Burns, and Tre Roberson haven’t impressed enough. Desmond Trufant hasn’t even played.
That begs the question. Should the team seek possible alternatives? Final cuts are looming in four days following the third and final preseason game. It is possible they might find somebody capable enough on the waiver wire. However, if GM Ryan Pace were willing to be a little more aggressive? He might find one or two unexpected options available. Here is one at least worth considering.
Damon Arnette.
Most informed fans will know the name. Arnette was the 19th overall pick in the 2020 draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. The last major piece they received from the Khalil Mack trade. No doubt they were hoping the Ohio State standout would fix their secondary. Unfortunately, he struggled in his rookie year. He endured a thumb injury early in the season and missed seven games. When he did play, it wasn’t great. This is why Raiders beat writer Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire thinks there is a real chance the 24-year old might be available for trade.
“The moment Casey Hayward signed with the team, Arnette’s chances of making the roster diminished. And now with fifth-round pick Nate Hobbs locking down the slot job, Arnette is the No. 4 cornerback, at best, on the roster. You can make a case that Amik Robertson and Isaiah Johnson have both been better in camp and it’s just hard to see Arnette getting a ton of playing time this season. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden might want to move him now before his value further decreases.”
Las Vegas has a track record of giving up on players quickly under Jon Gruden. Arnette might be the latest case. One could argue the team never used him correctly. The Raiders like to play a lot of man coverage and that was never his game. Experts said he was much better in zone situations most of the time. Considering the Bears’ defense under Sean Desai allows for more zone concepts? It might be worth exploring this.
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Damon Arnette is going to be a PROBLEM 😈🌰 #BIA pic.twitter.com/cE1dGeDJ6v
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) August 20, 2020
Chicago Bears aren’t afraid to provide second chances
They’ve signed guys with iffy track records before and it ended up working out. Cairo Santos is a perfect example from last year. Sometimes all a player needs is a fresh start. Historically, cornerbacks usually take a year or two before they really start to realize their potential as NFL players. William Jackson III was not good early in his career with Cincinnati. However, he rapidly improved and was rock solid by his third season. The same goes for Fuller. People forget his first three seasons weren’t ideal.
Would Arnette be a risk? Absolutely. It’s never a good sign that a team is willing to ship out a 1st round pick this fast. Yet one can’t deny the talent. The kid had a lot of good tape coming out of Ohio State. He’s athletic, tough, and physical. Things that fit the type of defense the Chicago Bears love to play. It would come down to whether they let him be himself rather than something he’s not.
Something to at least think about.
Arnette could be one of several former high draft choices who find themselves available for trade or even cut in the next few days. The Bears could be more active than expected as they try to fortify the roster ahead of their big opening night matchup in Los Angeles.