The offseason is never really over in the NFL. There are always players who get left off rosters who could be more valuable on them. For one reason or another, they just don’t get an opportunity. Maybe they’re too old, their demands are too high, or they simply get forgotten. Only smart teams figure out the mistake before it’s too late. One unit that can still benefit from such a scenario is the Chicago Bears defense.
Admittedly, there isn’t much to worry about with this unit. They have star power across the board starting with Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Eddie Jackson, and Kyle Fuller. Then there are up-and-comers like Eddie Goldman, Roquan Smith, and Bilal Nichols. Truly the only concern about them is whether they can adequately replace safety Adrian Amos and slot corner Bryce Callahan.
This they appear to have done well with the signings of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Buster Skrine. Not to mention the drafting of Duke Shelley. However, there is one lingering worry in the secondary. That being the outside corner spot. Fuller is a stud and his wingman Prince Amukamara is a capable starter as well. The problem is what lurks behind them.
Chicago Bears defense has depth issue at outside corner
Injuries are a fact of life in the NFL. The Bears were lucky in that neither Fuller nor Amukamara missed a lot of time with health issues. That could change in 2019 and they don’t look ideally prepared for it on paper. As of now, Sherrick McManis and Kevin Toliver are their two best options in reserve. McManis is steady but also 31-years old. Toliver has talent but was uneven last year.
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After that, it’s Michael Joseph and Stephen Denmark. Neither of whom has played in an NFL game. The Bears would surely benefit from adding more experience to the mix. That’s why Morris Claiborne might be just the guy for the job. Gil Brandt of NFL.com lobbied for why he’s overlooked.
“In 2018, Claiborne recorded 57 tackles, 14 passes defensed and two picks, including one touchdown — all career highs. The coaching staff has changed over, and there is reported interest in Claiborne from Tampa, where Claiborne’s old head coach, Todd Bowles, is the new defensive coordinator.”
Claiborne has been a free agent for months now. He’s 29-years old so his price tag is likely cheap. His experience playing in a 3-4 defense will also appeal to Chuck Pagano. Especially since he exhibits a more aggressive style of scheme as Bowles does. It can be a natural fit and would give the Bears even more flexibility during an always treacherous season.
