Recently it was reported that the Chicago Bears’ approach to free agency would be geared around hoping to stockpile compensatory draft picks for 2023. To do that, GM Ryan Poles must be careful which free agents he ends up targets. Several will count against the compensatory formula. In other words, if the Bears sign them to a sizable deal, then the odds of landing a future pick go down significantly.
There is a way around this problem, though. Not every free agent counts against the formula. These are called non-compensatory players. The majority of them are made up of those who were released by other teams. A common term for them is “street” free agents. While the pool isn’t nearly as large as the unrestricted market, it still has its fair share of viable options that could help the Bears get better.
Here are a select few that make sense for them.
Rodger Saffold is a beast. That is all. pic.twitter.com/dzsPc4Xd87
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) January 6, 2020
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Chicago Bears non-comp free agent options
Roger Saffold (OG)
While never what anybody would call a star, Saffold has carved out an underrated career at guard in the NFL. After 12 seasons, he finally got recognition with his first Pro Bowl in 2021. Though he isn’t the player he was five years ago with his 34th birthday around the corner, he is still a steady veteran that can be an instant presence on the interior. At least in the short term. He is an excellent run blocker and gave up just two sacks last season. Poles needs stability before he can find longevity. Saffold would provide that.
Tavon Young (CB)
It was a considerable surprise when the Baltimore Ravens chose to part ways with Young. While his 2020 season was marred by injury, he bounced back with a strong 2021, where he played in every game. He finished with 35 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. Quarterbacks managed only a modest 85.1 passer rating when targeting him in coverage. At 27-years old, he’s in his physical prime and is considered one of the better slot cornerbacks in the league. Considering how important that position is in the Chicago Bears’ new defensive scheme, adding him makes a ton of sense.
Just in case people forgot, Tavon Young is really good pic.twitter.com/53pOGvehV3
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) February 24, 2021
Anthony Hitchens (MLB)
This one is a double whammy. Hitchens was a veteran leader for the Kansas City Chiefs defense during their successful run of the past few years. He also happens to have ties with Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. The two worked together in Dallas. As the team shifts to the 4-3 defense, they may need somebody at middle linebacker, presuming Roquan Smith moves outside. If so, then Hitchens makes a ton of sense. He played that position before, and the familiarity with Eberflus would make his transition into the scheme easy. The experience and leadership would also be a benefit, especially after losing Danny Trevathan.
None of these players would push the Bears into being any playoff contender. Still, they would help to keep the roster competitive while also allowing Poles to maintain his goal of securing compensatory picks in 2023. More names could be added to the list depending on who gets released in the next few days.
