Are the Chicago Bears done making any significant moves for the 2020 offseason? It seems that way at first glance. They drafted seven players this past weekend and then added 11 undrafted free agents. The roster would appear on paper to be complete. However, the truth is they sit at just 87 players total. That leaves three spots open from the full complement of 90. This leads some to wonder if they might have one or two more moves in mind.
Chicago Tribune insider Brad Biggs was asked this question. He pinpointed two key positions that could see some action in free agency over the next few weeks due to either depth concerns or questions about who the starter is.
“I was mildly surprised the Bears didn’t draft a safety to compete with Deon Bush for a starting job. My guess is they probably had a handful in consideration on Day 3 who didn’t make it to the Bears’ pick. I know defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano felt pretty good about Bush last season…This would be a position to keep an eye on for a potential addition in the coming days and weeks, but I don’t think the Bears would spend big money on anyone.
They’re also a little light at running back with two undrafted free agents (Artavis Pierce of Oregon State and Napoleon Maxwell of Florida International) behind David Montgomery, Tarik Cohen and Ryan Nall. That looks like another spot where they could add a veteran.”
Chicago Bears are good about finding late bargains
Safety is the one position that fans have focused on for months. The departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix left a void next to Eddie Jackson they feel needs filling. Thus far the only moves made were re-signing Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson. They also added former Kansas City Chief Jordan Lucas. Of that group, Bush looks like the obvious choice to start.
However, one thing about GM Ryan Pace is he’s good at finding bargains late in free agency. They nabbed Kevin Pierre-Louis in May last year. He became a quality backup at inside linebacker. In 2018 they grabbed Nick Williams in late April. He had six sacks last season. In 2016, he got both Eric Cush and Cre’Von Leblanc off waivers from the Rams and Patriots respectively in September.
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It’s not a stretch to see Pace doing it again.
Especially with a number of interesting names still available. Tony Jefferson, Eric Reid, Reshad Jones, Morgan Burnett, and Johnathan Cyprien all fit what they’re looking for. A tough box safety who can play around the line of scrimmage, allowing Eddie Jackson to do what he does best staying back in deep coverage.
Running back also has a few options. Devonta Freeman, Lamar Miller, Carlos Hyde, and Spencer Ware are all names that might make sense. They bring diverse skillsets that would appeal to this coaching staff. Suffice to say the Bears aren’t in a hurry to make a move. Not a surprise given the hurdles COVID-19 continues to create.
