The Chicago Bears have shifted their focus towards the NFL draft. Free agency has fallen onto the backburner. Most likely for the rest of this month. That said, it’s a safe bet work on the veteran market will resume by the beginning of May once the rookie class is situated. GM Ryan Pace tends to operate like this every year. So rest assured he is most likely not done making additions.
An interesting subplot to this is whether or not they’re done retaining certain players of their own. Thus far the Bears have retained a total of 16 of their in-house free agents including key starters like Allen Robinson, Cairo Santos, and Germaine Ifedi. Given where their salary cap started this offseason? That is a nice piece of work. Yet some key names still remain out there, waiting for their next opportunity.
Players who can be a big help for them this season. Here are a few to keep an eye on next month.
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Chicago Bears in a good position to bring back some key names
Tashaun Gipson
One of the bigger surprises of the offseason is how inactive the Bears have been in trying to find a safety to start opposite Eddie Jackson. Their only moves thus far were re-signing Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson. Both of whom were backups last year and primarily special teams. Retaining Gipson seemed like a logical enough idea. He had a solid season in 2020 with two interceptions and meshed with their locker room well. Thus far he hasn’t found a new home on the open market. This increases the odds he might return at a price favorable to the Bears.
Cordarrelle Patterson
It didn’t take long for Patterson to become a fan favorite. Not only did he earn every penny of his contract as an All-Pro kick returner, but his personality was also an instant hit. The guy is fun to watch on and off the field. Finding a way to keep him and his big-play ability on the roster felt like an obvious thing to do. Yet weeks have gone by with no signs of anything. Price is no doubt a sticking point. Patterson believes he should be paid like the All-Pro he is, which is entirely fair. The Chicago Bears aren’t in a position to meet that price. Still, there is always the chance he may lower it to stay put for another year.
Sherrick McManis
Not enough people remember how big of a steal McManis was back in 2012. He was swapped in a player-for-player deal for a fullback and is now the team’s longest-tenured player. Easily one of the best special teamers in franchise history. He’s 33-years old now though. Does he have enough juice left for another year? Chicago has some possible competition for his spot with Jordan Lucas and Marqui Christian. Still, McManis remains a respected member of that locker room and shouldn’t be too expensive to bring back.
Daniel McCullers
Eddie Goldman is set to resume his career as the Bears’ starting nose tackle. That is good news. He was one of the best at the position in the NFL prior to the pandemic. However, the depth behind him is a considerable question mark. John Jenkins held that role for the most part but he will not be returning, having signed a new deal with the Miami Dolphins. That makes retaining McCullers an easy decision. He has experience there along with the size and strength. Until they find somebody of better quality, he’ll make for serviceable enough depth.