The Chicago Bears haven’t played in the NFL divisional playoffs since 2011, which hurts more than usual given the lofty expectations surrounding the team before the season.
Free agency is just about two months away, and the Bears have plenty of decisions to make both in-house and on the open market. With multiple areas of need, free agency and the NFL Draft will be important for general manager Ryan Pace.
With all eyes turned to the divisional playoffs, here are 6 pending free agents the Bears should keep an eye on Sunday:
CB Bashaud Breeland
Kansas City Chiefs
Cornerback is certainly a position of need for the Bears this offseason, which they’ll look to address either in free agency or the NFL Draft. Given the Bears can save $8 million in salary cap space if they cut veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara, he’s likely to be a cap casualty.
One option the Bears could turn to in free agency is Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland, who had 48 total tackles, two interceptions and eight pass breakups in 2019. If Breeland, a talented player at an important position, hits the open market, the Bears would surely be interested — for the right price.
CB Kendall Fuller
Kansas City Chiefs
If the Bears do release veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara this offseason, they could look in-house, turn to the NFL Draft or browse the free agent market for his replacement opposite Kyle Fuller. And maybe that could be Fuller’s brother.
If Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller hits the free agent market, he could be someone the Bears could bring in, but it wouldn’t be without cost. In 2019, Fuller had 49 total tackles, one sack, two pass breakups and no interceptions. The Chiefs have also used Fuller as a safety/nickel back hybrid, which produced impressive results.
TE Darren Fells
Houston Texans
Arguably one of the biggest offensive needs for the Bears this offseason is tight end. Trey Burton’s injury struggles and Adam Shaheen’s lack of production are both concerns for an offense that relies on a tight end to succeed.
The Bears will turn free agency and/or the draft to bring in a reliable tight end that can produce in Matt Nagy’s offense. One free agent option at tight end is Houston’s Darren Fells, who has been a dependable target for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Fells had 34 receptions for 341 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019, which eclipsed every Bears tight end this season.
WR Geronimo Allison
Green Bay Packers
While wide receiver isn’t a top offseason priority for the Bears, it’s definitely one that deserves consideration. With Chicago low on salary cap space, they could release Taylor Gabriel to free up $4.5 million in salary cap space and bring in a cheaper option.
One of those pending free agents is Packers receiver Geronimo Allison, who had 34 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns in 2019. He’s not a game-breaking weapon that the Bears would like to have opposite Allen Robinson, but he would provide depth at the position.
CB Johnathan Joseph
Houston Texans
As the Bears ponder how to address cornerback this offseason, free agency won’t necessarily be the best option. The best corners come at top dollar prices or they’re already taken. But there will be no shortage of cornerbacks on the free agent market this offseason.
Texans veteran cornerback Johnathan Joseph’s future up in the air — as he’s not expected to re-sign with Houston and could either choose to test free agency or possibly retire. Joseph had 51 tackles, 13 pass breakups and one interception in 2019. With the Texans choosing to go a different, younger direction with their cornerbacks, Joseph is a short-term option at the position.
TE Marcedes Lewis
Green Bay Packers
The Bears have decisions to make at tight end this offseason. While Trey Burton appears to be part of Chicago’s plans for 2020, the same can’t be said for Adam Shaheen and Ben Braunecker. While Shaheen will remain on the roster heading into camp, it’s no guarantee he’ll make the 53-man roster. Then there’s Braunecker, who the Bears could save $1.5 million in cap space by releasing him.
Another free agent tight end option is Green Bay’s Marcedes Lewis, who is the Packers’ second tight end behind Jimmy Graham. Lewis had 15 receptions for 156 yards and one touchdown in 2019. Lewis is more a rotational player at this stage of his 14-year career, his workload has increased in Matt LaFleur’s offense.
