The Chicago Bears are preparing for training camp. Players start reporting on July 25th, with the first practice coming on the 27th. That means they have six days left to make some possible roster moves. Most expect them to add another pass rusher at some point. Rumors have persisted in that vein for weeks. However, it isn’t the only avenue they’re exploring. On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN revealed that they and the Jacksonville Jaguars were pursuing veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet.
A former undrafted free agent, Maulet spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He carved out a role as a nickel corner for them. Last year was his best to date, with 59 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. Maulet had a public falling out with Pittsburgh this off-season, frustrated with their unwillingness to make him a stronger contract offer. As a result, he asked for his release from the team. It was granted. Now he’s ready to find his next home. Chicago’s interest is certainly unexpected.
The Chicago Bears may wish for some veteran leadership.
It’s easy to forget how young their cornerback group is this year. Greg Stroman Jr. is the oldest on the team. He’s 27 years old. Everybody else is 25 or younger, including two rookies in Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. That is a lot of youth and inexperience. Maulet has logged over 1700 snaps in his career. He just turned 30 years old. He’s already shown a willingness to mentor younger guys and can be nice competition for Kyler Gordon at the nickel position. It is a logical signing, were it to happen.
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This deal will likely come down to money. Maulet left Pittsburgh over a contract dispute. So it’s clear he hopes to get the best deal he possibly can. The Chicago Bears have the most cap space in the league. They can match any offer Jacksonville or other teams put on the table. It’s about whether they want to. GM Ryan Poles never overpays, especially for older players. So it could be an interesting negotiation. Maulet would be a welcome addition if it ends up going through.
