The Chicago Bears have continued to churn the bottom of their roster with some interesting veteran names lately. A few days ago they added former Steelers and Lions tight end Jesse James. He swiftly started making plays in practice. Now they’ve made another move. However, this time it was done less out of intrigue and more from necessity. According to Mike Garafolo, they are signing linebacker Alec Ogletree.
This is a name they’ve been connected to in the past. They worked him out before but didn’t sign him at the time. Things changed though as their insider linebacker position was hit by two notable blows. Primary backup Christian Jones went on the Reserve/COVID-19 list while Josh Woods suffered a thigh injury. The depth is suddenly in a bad way. Ogletree not only has prior starting experience but also a connection to ILBs coach Bill McGovern.
The two worked together in New York for the Giants.
The #Bears are signing veteran LB Alec Ogletree, source says.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 4, 2021
Ogletree had arguably the best season of his career under the assistant coach in 2018. He finished with 93 tackles, a sack, five interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and eight passes defended. The performance probably would’ve been appreciated more had the Giants defense not been so bad. Now the Bears get the 29-year old as an emergency back. Not bad all things considered.
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Ogletree only played two games last season with the New York Jets before he was released in October. This is the first time he’s signed with a team since. So he has a lot of catching up to do. It’s fair to wonder how long he’ll last depending on the health statuses of Jones and Woods. Perhaps the Bears may choose to sacrifice somebody else to keep him around.
Chicago Bears must weigh his value carefully
A big advantage that Jones and Woods have is their proven experience on special teams. Something the Bears always covet from their backup defenders. Is Ogletree willing to embrace that responsibility? Something he never really had to worry about for most of his career as a former 1st round pick. Considering the likely minimal contract he signed, it’s a safe assumption he’ll give it a try.
Remember that Ogletree was a team captain at one point in his career. He understands the value of being a leader. Willing to make whatever sacrifices necessary to help the team win. That mentality should serve him well in Chicago. He has the sort of attacking mentality that can do well in the third phase. Combined with his obvious experience?
This is a smart signing.
At worst, the Chicago Bears paid for a capable training camp body who can hold down the fort until Jones and Woods return. If he can grasp the system quickly, he could end up offering more than that as a potential spot starter in case Roquan Smith or Danny Trevathan get hurt. It comes down to what Sean Desai and the coaching staff see in the next couple of days. Practices will resume on Thursday in full pads.