The Chicago Bears free agency plan for 2018 is likely nearing its completion. GM Ryan Pace undoubtedly has an idea of which positions he’ll want to target and which players will likely be available among those set to be free agents. The big question that he and other general managers are waiting to have answered is who else might join the market.
One of the most unpredictable parts of free agency comes from unexpected players getting cut. Sometimes it’s a bad scheme fit, others it’s a disagreement with coaches, or it can simply be an issue of age and money. Either way, some big names hit the market, throwing it into some confusion. Depending on the price and timing, these men can often help a team fill an immediate need.
The Bears are no different on this front. They might have a chance at some quick fixes this off-season for some of their more pressing issues. It will depend on who is available. Based on the rumors floating around here are some names that might be on their short list of targets.
Trevor Siemian (QB, Denver Broncos)
The Broncos are about to undergo a significant shift at quarterback. Trevor Siemian never could quite lock down the starting job, but that doesn’t mean he has no value at the position. The former Northwestern standout has had some impressive showings in the past. He’s still young and by all accounts a total team player. It would be fitting to bring him back home where he could become a highly valuable backup for Mitch Trubisky. He’s 13-11 as a starter. This at least proves he can drive the ship without crashing it. Cap relief: $1.9 million.
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Demaryius Thomas (WR, Denver Broncos)
Veteran wide receivers are so hard to predict. Some simply fizzle away as their age rises, yet others seem to reach down into the tank for something extra when they find a new team. Demaryius Thomas was one of the best in the league for a long time. However, 2017 was the worst performing year he’s had since 2011. Granted it was still over 900 yards with a serious QB issue looming in Denver but even so. Thomas turns 31 in December this year. He isn’t the All-Pro of a few years ago. That said he’s far better than anything the Bears have on the roster. Cap relief: $14 million
Travis Benjamin (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)
The Bears have actively sought speed for their receiving corps the past couple years. Thus far their attempts have met with disappointment. Travis Benjamin could be another cost-effective try. He’s likely to get squeezed out in Los Angeles. The Chargers have Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Tyrell Williams in place already. If they want to retain the latter, cutting Benjamin’s contract would be the best alternative. Benjamin is not a #1 guy but he’s a true vertical threat who could help Matt Nagy get those chunk plays he likes so much. Cap relief: $4.5 million
Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)
It’s difficult to tell where things went wrong for Muhammad Wilkerson. Back in 2015, he was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL. He produced 12 sacks and was almost impossible to block. Then he got his big payday and suddenly got into a tiff with the New York Jets coaching staff. Since then he hasn’t been near the player he was with just eight sacks in the past two seasons. In spite of all that he’ll be 29-years old in October. He should have a few more good years in him provided he’d be willing to accept the coaching of Vic Fangio. A trio of him, Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman could be devastating. Cap relief: $11 million
Robert Quinn (EDGE, Los Angeles Rams)
The Bears sorely need options at the edge rusher position. Right now Leonard Floyd is their only reliable guy under the age of 30 and he’s coming off a season-ending injury. Pernell McPhee and Willie Young can’t be counted on. Both are 30 or older and coming off injuries too. Even a short-term solution would be welcome for Chicago. Robert Quinn isn’t the player he was a few years ago but he proved he could still hack it in 2017 with 8.5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams. He turns 28 in May so he’s not too old. A combo of him and a healthy Floyd would be an upgrade over last year. Cap relief: $11.44 million
Richard Sherman (CB, Seattle Seahawks)
The top three cornerbacks for the Bears in 2017 in Kyle Fuller, Prince Amukamara, and Bryce Callahan will be free agents in March. So they may have to reload that position depending on what happens with their re-signing efforts. Richard Sherman may become the first of the major sacrifices the Seattle Seahawks have had to make of that once great “Legion of Boom” secondary. He’s turning 30-years old this season and coming off an Achilles injury. Seattle has a number of in-house free agents they need to deal with. He might be a welcome infusion of attitude to that Bears secondary. Cap relief: $11 million
