The Chicago Bears aren’t really in a position to do much more spending this offseason. Not unless the players involved are cheap. So it’s hard to imagine GM Ryan Pace being aggressive in any sort of way. That being said, there are still a number of names out there who could help this football team. Names that won’t cost too much due to prior circumstances. One that the Bears should reach out to is Jurrell Casey.
His disappearance is a rather confusing one. In 2019, he made his fifth Pro Bowl with the Tennessee Titans, collecting five sacks and 21 quarterback pressures. Then he was released last year and signed with Vic Fangio in Denver. Three games into the season, he tore his biceps and missed the rest of the year. After being waived in February, he’s been available ever since. Considering his track record, it’s a shock he is available.
Chicago needs to make him an offer.
Given the recent injury and the fact he’s 31-years old, it shouldn’t be too hard to secure him for minimal money. Some may ask why the Bears would do this? A better question is why not? Don’t forget the depth of their defensive line took a considerable hit this offseason with the departures of Roy Robertson-Harris and Brent Urban. With all due respect, Angelo Blackson and LaCale London don’t feel like favorable replacements for them.
Adding Casey would give this team a huge boost in the trenches. When healthy he can still be a viable interior pass rusher and was always a solid run defender. Not having to be the starter would also aid in keeping his body from wearing down. Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols would handle the starting snaps, allowing him to come in on a rotational basis.
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THE TATTED MONSTER! 🧟♂️
Jurrell Casey's 50th career sack. @Jurrellc | #NOvsTEN pic.twitter.com/ywjAGJSkzI
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) December 22, 2019
Jurrell Casey #playmaker 😤😤#TENvsATL
(via @Titans)
— PFF (@PFF) September 29, 2019
Chicago Bears defense can never have enough help
It’s important to remember nothing is yet known on what will happen regarding the offense. All anybody knows for sure is it’s been bad for several years now. It hasn’t had a top 15 ranking since 2016 and that was symptomatic of playing from behind so often. They ranked 29th and 26th in the past two seasons. Personnel-wise, they seem to have improved this offseason. At least on paper. Yet there are never any guarantees with that group.
The fact remains the star power advantage remains with the defense. So the Chicago Bears brass should do everything they can to make sure they’re ready to carry the load again in 2021. That means improving the depth wherever possible. A foursome of Hicks, Nichols, Casey, and Mario Edwards Jr. would be quite solid. A nice mix of experience and ascending youth.
If Casey has one more year in him, the Bears try to find out.
It comes down to whether the veteran still wants to play and how much money he’s looking for. If the answer is no to the former and a lot to the latter? Then this idea won’t get off the ground. On the other hand, if he still wants to play and isn’t seeking the money anymore? Then Chicago would be a perfect home for him.