The Chicago Bears signed Alec Ogletree early in training camp. It was a bit of a surprise that the former 1st round pick was still available. While never a star, he’d shown a number of times the past few years that he can be a capable linebacker on somebody’s roster. Chicago actually had a bit of good fortune on that front. Ogletree is good friends with Robert Quinn and came to Halas Hall to watch the pass rusher’s sister compete in the Olympics.
He spoke to members of the team and not long after leaving the facility was called back to sign a contract. Six interceptions in his first three practices and a great preseason debut later? The man was a lock to make the roster. Now with Danny Trevathan landing on Injured Reserve with a knee problem, Ogletree is suddenly slated to start opening night in Los Angeles. What a fortuitous situation for the Bears.
Perhaps one that other teams regret allowing to happen?
It seems that way. Dan Pompei of The Athletic got in touch with a number of scouts to discuss the Bears’ roster. When the subject of Ogletree came up? One of them admitted the linebacker’s agent was pleading with his team to just give the guy a chance. They passed. Now with the benefit of hindsight, it looks like there are some regrets.
Scout C said he has been shocked by how well Ogletree has performed since the Bears picked him up in early August.
“His agent was banging down every team’s door to give him a workout,” he said. “We all turned him down except the Bears. Hats off to their pro department.”
This is one thing about GM Ryan Pace he deserves credit for. The guy is sharp when it comes to finding unexpected bargains on the free agent market. Last year it was Mario Edwards Jr. and Cairo Santos. This year it looks like it’ll be Ogletree. Nobody should expect him to be a start, but he can be that wingman to Roquan Smith until Trevathan is healthy. A lot of teams would kill for this sort of insurance right about now.
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Alec Ogletree has a chance to do more than substitute
Trevathan is out for at least the next three games. A lot can happen in that space of time. If Ogletree steps in and plays really well, a question must be asked. Do they just keep him in and put Trevathan on the bench? It’s worth mentioning Ogletree is two years younger. He also has a stronger track record in coverage. Something that has become more and more of a problem for Trevathan in the past couple of years.
It isn’t hard to imagine the Bears might look to move on from the linebacker in 2022. His contract has become an albatross for their salary cap. Worth more than what he’s been putting on the field. Ogletree is younger, healthier, and would likely be cheaper to keep. These next three games could be the most important of his career. Late-signing free agents like him rarely get an opportunity like this.
A nice subplot to watch.
The linebackers won’t be the focus Sunday night though. That will be the Bears secondary. Their cornerbacks are laden with uncertainty and are about to face a good quarterback armed with good receivers. That is usually a bad combination. Maybe Ogletree can pull out one of those vintage interceptions to help out.