The Chicago Bears have never been strangers to reunions. A number of players in their long history served more than one term in navy blue and orange. Marty Booker being one example. Chris Harris being another. It all comes down to timing and need. If things line up in a certain way this offseason, is it possible the same scenario could play out again? If so, then there is one name worth watching.
It was tough to watch Bryce Callahan leave back in 2019. Despite his frequent bouts with injury problems, the guy was one of the best nickel corners in the NFL when he was healthy. That reputation, both the good and the bad, has followed him to Denver. Callahan missed six games due to foot and ankle problems. Yet he had two interceptions and posted a 47.8 passer rating when targeted in coverage.
Will he survive another year?
Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report doesn’t think so. He feels there is a decent chance Denver may decide to part ways with the 29-year old. This due to the arrival of three new faces. Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller via free agency and 1st round pick Patrick Surtain. This might convince new GM George Paton, who didn’t sign Callahan, that he is expendable. Especially with a healthy salary cap chunk due in return.
“For the current term, Darby and Fuller have a combined $13.5 million cap hit. The former has a fully guaranteed salary for the next two seasons. The latter had an All-Pro year under Fangio with the Bears in 2018.
The high-premium investments at the top of the cornerback depth chart could work against Callahan. Since signing with the club, he’s missed 22 games because of foot injuries. The Broncos can save about $7.2 million if they release him, which seems like an easy decision.”
While that would be a tough break for Callahan, it could prove an opportunity for the Bears. Remember they just parted ways with their own nickel corner, Buster Skrine. Not to mention Fuller. This has left a considerable void in their secondary. One they’ve been trying to fill with bodies like veteran Desmond Trufant and 6th round pick Thomas Graham Jr. Have they done enough? It is difficult to think so.
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Chicago Bears remain active on the CB market
Over the past couple of weeks, it’s been revealed that the team is still exploring other corner options. They’ve been in contact with former Pittsburgh Steelers starter Steven Nelson as well as Beshaud Breeland. The same man who helped the Kansas City Chiefs reach back-to-back Super Bowls. It is apparent from these revelations that the Bears don’t feel too comfortable with their current cornerback depth chart.
As the team prepares to shift back to the Vic Fangio style of defensive scheme, it would make considerable sense to bring back Callahan. He knows it well and has always played his best in it. One must presume his price tag won’t be too expensive either. Not after missing 22 games over the past two seasons in Denver. A return to Chicago would likely appeal to them. It’s a place and a secondary he is quite familiar with.
Is it a risk?
Sure. Somebody with his injury history makes that inevitable. Yet the fact remains whenever Callahan was on the field, the Chicago Bears’ defense was better for it. So even if they only get him for 10-12 games in 2021, it would still be a benefit. Ultimately it comes down to what the Broncos do. They don’t have to part ways with Callahan out of necessity. It comes down to whether they feel any pressing need to keep him.