Plenty of names come to mind when discussing the new-look Chicago Bears. Veteran Lucas Patrick and rookie Braxton Jones have helped forge an identity for a once beleaguered offensive line. Justin Jones looks like a solid addition at defensive tackle, while rookie safety Jaquan Brisker is already establishing himself as a significant presence. Even wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown has looked like their best weapon in the passing game, even if that’s not saying much. Yet there is another player who isn’t getting nearly enough love.
That is Nicholas Morrow. People shrugged when the Bears added him as a free agent back in March. He had a solid season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. Sadly injuries sidelined him for all of 2021. Nobody knew for sure what the Bears were getting. Head coach Matt Eberflus seemed confident they got a good football player that fit the new defense perfectly. It’s hard to argue that after three games. Morrow hasn’t made any flash plays, but he’s been one of the defense’s most consistent and reliable members.
He is second on the team with 23 tackles. What enhances that even further is he’s yet to miss a tackle this year. Smith was the star of the win over Houston, yet Morrow made some crucial plays too, especially in the 4th quarter.
The Chicago Bears got a good player for dirt cheap.
Remember they signed Morrow to a one-year deal for $2.5 million. That is chump change in today’s NFL. Grabbing a legitimate middle linebacker at that price is a testament to GM Ryan Poles’ ability to find bargains. It makes the Raiders not look too good by letting him walk in the first place. They should’ve known more than anybody what he was capable of. Now their loss is the Bears’ gain. If he keeps this up, the Bears may have a long-term piece.
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Don’t forget Morrow is only 27 years old. He is squarely in his prime. The Chicago Bears likely wouldn’t have any trouble locking him up to a multi-year contract by the start of next off-season. Presuming they can also secure Smith, their linebacker position would be in pretty good shape. That would enable Poles to focus on other spots such as the defensive line and cornerback.
