One thing about GM Ryan Pace? He never stops trying to find ways to improve his roster even after the draft. With minicamps and OTAs on the horizon, it seems the Chicago Bears aren’t quite finished trying to find help for their defense. Particularly at the cornerback spot. They know the quality of players they lost this offseason in Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine. Filling that void was always going to be difficult.
Thus far they’ve made two primary moves. First, they signed veteran Desmond Trufant to a one-year deal. Then they drafted Thomas Graham Jr. out of Oregon in the 6th round. While that was a step in the right direction, it’s still difficult to feel like the secondary is ready for the brutal array of quarterbacks they’ll have to face this coming season. This might explain why the Bears are in hot pursuit of more help according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
That being ex-Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson.
Cornerback Steven Nelson’s market has been strong since becoming a free agent. Nelson has interest and has heard from 14 teams including #Texans #Bears #Eagles #Bengals and #Bills, per source. He continues to be patient waiting for right fit and opportunity.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 12, 2021
There are a number of reasons why the Bears might be interested in Nelson. The most obvious is his ability. He has produced some quality seasons the past three years. In 2018, he had four interceptions. Then in 2019, he didn’t give up a single touchdown pass on 74 targets. Unfortunately, he struggled a bit this past season by allowing seven. No doubt part of the reason Pittsburgh decided to part ways. That and lack of money.
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In addition to this is connections. Nelson spent his first four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. So he has direct ties to Bears head coach Matt Nagy. One can safely presume he knows the type of player Nelson is and what he could bring the defense. There is plenty of familiarity playing in a 3-4 defense. He likes to play a physical, aggressive style that new defensive coordinator Sean Desai wants.
Chicago Bears may also have an added advantage
Employing somebody that Nelson is familiar with isn’t a bad start. However, there is another part of this the Bears could use to their advantage. The fact they play the Steelers this season. Recent rumors suggest Chicago will visit Pittsburgh in Week 9 for Monday Night Football. That should undoubtedly be a fun game. Nelson, who probably isn’t too happy about the Steelers releasing him, might love to seek a little revenge on national television.
As always though, it comes down to the most important thing. Money. A player has limited years in the NFL and needs to make as much cash as they can. Nelson will be seeking a good fit and usually the best “fit” is who offers the most money. The Chicago Bears may be at a disadvantage here. They’re not swimming in cap space even after releasing Charles Leno Jr. to secure an extra $9 million. Given the large market Nelson has, it could prove expensive to get him.
He’d have to be willing to take a reasonable dollar amount.
Is that possible? Sure. Chicago has a number of positives going for it. A coach Nelson knows. A chance to play the Steelers. Playing behind a front seven that is still pretty good. If he keeps the dollar amount to something feasible, this can happen. It would be a considerable boost for that secondary.