The Chicago Bears defense was always going to encounter a transition period at some point. Nothing lasts forever in this league. That seems to have arrived in 2021, particularly in the secondary. Kyle Fuller? Gone. Buster Skrine? Gone. The absences of both has been quite noticeable throughout the preseason. Only Jaylon Johnson has stood out as capable thus far. Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley, Artie Burns, and most others have underwhelmed.
While the Bears reportedly remain confident in Vildor, there is an undercurrent of concern at the nickel corner position. They were really hoping Shelley was ready to take another step after some flashes in 2020. That hasn’t happened. Marqui Christian has offered one alternative they’re considering but he’s primarily a safety. Not to mention a mostly career backup. This team needs another option.
One may have just popped loose.
The Washington Football Team made a curious decision, making their former 7th round pick Jimmy Moreland one of their final cuts before the deadline. This is despite him showing considerable improvement in 2020. Playing primarily from the slot, Moreland didn’t allow a single touchdown pass. Opposing QBs had just a 74.1 passer rating when throwing in his direction. This was on 65 total targets.
Here's a surprise: Washington has released CB Jimmy Moreland, per source.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) August 31, 2021
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It is difficult to know why Washington went in this direction. Maybe they just liked their alternatives on the roster better? Either way, the 26-year old is available and there are plenty of reasons to think the Bears will be interested. Not just because he’s a solid player, but also because they were interested in him prior to the draft two years ago. Had they not drafted Shelley, it’s fair to wonder if they might’ve grabbed him instead.
Jimmy Moreland, James Madison corner, has top 30 visits with Giants and 49ers and Bears #NFLDraftNews
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 1, 2019
Highlighted this play during the game, but it's worth antoher look from the all-22 angle. Jimmy Moreland in the slot works around a pick play and tracks the ball perfectly to break up the pass. pic.twitter.com/tHGYffOpem
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 23, 2021
Jimmy Moreland with the powerful goal-line hit to force a fumble. He’s impressed since joining Washington. pic.twitter.com/3iO3ICurT2
— JMU Sports News (@JMUSportsNews) August 9, 2019
Chicago Bears will need some luck to get Moreland
Presuming they do make an attempt, there is a big obstacle in their way. Moreland is subject to the waiver wire process. That means the Bears sit in a line similar to the draft from a few months ago. Teams that picked higher also pick high in waivers too. That means other cornerback-needy teams can scoop him up before he gets to Chicago at #20. If by some chance he slips through, this should be a no-brainer.
The Chicago Bears have nobody on their roster more proven than Moreland. The fact he’s young and cheap only adds to the value. He screams Ryan Pace signing. Time will tell if somebody gets to him first. Meanwhile, the team still has plenty of cuts to get through themselves. They’ve only made a handful thus far. Given their tendency to keep things quiet, one can expect a deluge of announcements close to the deadline.
Who will survive?
One this is certain. There could be significant action at the cornerback position. Veteran Desmond Trufant, the supposed heir apparent to Fuller, is looking shaky after a rough August. Shelley struggled. Tre Roberson looked solid but has a concussion. This team needs alternatives with Matthew Stafford and that loaded Rams passing game on the horizon. Moreland isn’t a star but he is somebody that can play solid football.
