When looking at the Chicago Bears defense, the list of concerns isn’t too extensive. Sure, it’s not as talented as it was four years ago but one can at least say most of the position groups have stability. The arrivals of Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker via the draft reinforced the secondary. Veterans Justin Jones and Mike Pennel also help beef up the defensive line. The biggest lingering issue is now at linebacker. A problem that became even more pronounced when the team cut Jeremiah Attaochu.
It isn’t hard to understand the logic. Attaochu has spent his career as a 3-4 outside linebacker. So transitioning to a 4-3 would’ve been difficult for him. Plus, by cutting him, they added another $2.45 million in cap space. Still, it leaves their strongside linebacker spot in even greater uncertainty. Roquan Smith and Nicholas Morrow are starters at the other two spots. Nobody else on the roster stands out as an obvious replacement.
#Bears roster move
We have signed the following Free Agent:
Pennel, Mike (NT – Colorado State-Pueblo)
We have released the following Vested Veteran:
Attaochu, Jeremiah (LB – Georgia Tech).— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) June 14, 2022
Jeremiah Attaochu exit leaves the Bears with a tough decision.
Either they hold a wide open competition to see who can win the job or go hunting for a possible replacement. The former option doesn’t seem ideal. As of right now, their list of choices isn’t exactly proven. Veteran Matthew Adams has experience in Matt Eberflus’ defense from Indianapolis but is only 6’0 and spent most of his career as a special teams guy. Noah Dawkins is a career backup who’s never started a game. Joe Thomas has plenty of experience but also has size concerns at 6’1. That only leaves undrafted rookies Christian Albright and Jack Sanborn as possibilities.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Anthony Barr with the INT in OT! #SKOL
📺: #MINvsBAL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/99hswxatqj— NFL (@NFL) November 7, 2021
Typical strongside linebackers are used as run defenders and extra pass rushers. That is why size is crucial for it. It is common to see them be around 6’3. That is why Jeremiah Attaochu was the obvious choice for the position before he was cut. If the Bears want to look for outside help, there are one or two options to consider. Former Vikings Pro Bowler Anthony Barr is still available. He’d be a perfect fit for that spot, as he played it for years in Minnesota.
Another option is Jaylon Smith. Eberflus worked with him briefly in Dallas. A former Pro Bowler himself, he was primarily a middle linebacker but also had experience on the outside as well. Nobody knows why he fell apart so fast after 2020, but he just turned 27. Those two would make sense if the Bears wanted to take a one-year flier.
Never got a hint from this staff once that they don’t know what they are doing. The season is still near 3 months away and no reason to panic. I firmly believe this staff will make great decisions. People want to know now and I get it. I like their patience to just let things develop.
They wouldn’t have cut him unless there was a good reason. If his size fit, obviously it is something else. Couldn’t get the playbook down? Getting caught out of position constantly during practice?
$2.5 million in cap space is not a good reason to cut him.
The SAM linebacker used to play 2 downs before yielding to the nickel on third down. Now, with teams spreading people out and throwing just as often on first down, the position sees very little time on the field. I fully expect a guy like Sanborn or another team’s castoff to fill that spot. The brass will not commit a lot of coin there.
As Always, I trust that the Bear’s GM, and staff know what they are doing, and the plans they have! They have INFINITELY more insight into the inner workings of the team…