One thing about the Chicago Bears this offseason is they’ve tended to follow a pattern. They’re keeping things cheap in terms of their free agent signings but also looking to exploit prior connections via their coaching staff. Andy Dalton worked with offensive coordinator Bill Lazor in Cincinnati. Damien Williams did the same in Miami. Jeremiah Attaochu worked with Vic Fangio in Denver.
It’s pretty clear the team is taking advantage of whatever ties to certain players they can. When the price is right of course. With the market still holding plenty of options, are there any potential names that fit this profile? Players with ties to the coaching staff who can contribute in certain areas of need for the Bears?
In fact, there are. Here are some of those players and what they could bring to the table.
Chicago Bears like exploiting connections in free agency
Dede Westbrook
The Bears have quality options at the top of their wide receiver depth chart in Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. Where the problems start for them is the bottom area. Anthony Miller is on the trade block. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley have failed to stand out when given opportunities. This offense could use more reliable third and fourth options.
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Westbook was a star at Oklahoma and flashed a number of times down in Jacksonville. He worked with John DeFilippo during his time there. He had a solid season in 2019 when he compiled 660 yards and three touchdowns. He’s still just 27-years old and could be a quality replacement for Wims as the #4 guy. The Bears are searching for more speed. Westbrook brings that to the table.
Tyler Eifert
Talk about a career that is such a tragedy. Eifert had the ability to be a star in NFL. He proved that when he caught 13 touchdowns in his third season, making his only Pro Bowl. Sadly injuries have haunted him since being drafted. The fact he’s still played despite the sheer number of them is a testament to his resilience and toughness.
Depth at tight end is a concern for the Bears behind Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet. Eifert has familiarity with new quarterback Andy Dalton and also worked under offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. He isn’t anything special as a blocker but can still be a valuable target in the passing game. Not having to play too many snaps should also keep him healthy.
Jurrell Casey
On paper, the Chicago Bears defensive line is the strength of their team. Akiem Hicks is still here, Bilal Nichols is emerging, and now Eddie Goldman is back. They also retained Mario Edwards Jr. and signed Angelo Blackson. One would think the group is basically set for the 2021 season. Then again there is that old saying of never having too much of a good thing.
Jurrell Casey remains available. The former Pro Bowler missed most of 2020 with an injury which is why the Denver Broncos decided to cut him. Secondary coach Deshea Townsend knows him well from his time working in Tennessee. Casey is 31 and may have some gas left in the tank. If he’s willing to take a rotational role, this should be a no-brainer.
Gareon Conley
One of the more frustrating players of the past few years. Conley was a 1st round pick of the Oakland Raiders back in 2017. He has a world of ability at cornerback with size, length, and athleticism. There have been glimpses of how good he can be at times, but inconsistency has haunted him for years. That is why the Raiders trained him to Houston.
An ankle injury and complications from surgery sidelined him for all of 2020. He should be healthy now though. One person who knows him well is new assistant defensive backs coach Mike Adams. The two were teammates in 2019. Conley is just 25-years old and remains a gifted talent. A fresh start in Chicago could be good for him and he’d make for a nice fourth cornerback option.
Damon Harrison
Losing Goldman last year was a tough reminder to the Chicago Bears how important he was to their run defense. Signing Harrison would’ve been such a nice move to plug that hole. Sadly he chose to sign with the Green Bay Packers instead. Now he’s back on the market. If this team were smart, they’d try to sign him as a rotational nose tackle.
That would really make the interior of their defensive front hard to run on. New senior defensive assistant Mike Pettine was the Packers defensive coordinator last year. So there is a connection between the two. It comes down to two key factors. Does Harrison still want to play and would he be willing to take a minor deal? Both are difficult to answer.