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 7 pending free agents the Bears should keep an eye on Saturday:
QB Marcus Mariota
Tennessee Titans
Technically, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Marcus Mariota won’t see the field on Saturday against the Ravens. And yet, he’s someone the Bears are surely keeping their eyes on this offseason.
Before Ryan Pace risked it all for Mitchell Trubisky, he was enamored with Mariota back in 2016 before Tennessee selected him second overall. Given the fact that both Chase Daniel and Tyler Bray are set to become free agents, Mariota is someone that Pace could target as competition for Trubisky this offseason — and perhaps as a backup plan should Trubisky struggle in 2020.
SS Anthony Harris
Minnesota Vikings
After locking up safety Eddie Jackson to a massive four-year extension, the Bears have to decide what else to do at safety. If they can afford to re-sign Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, will they choose to keep him in Chicago? Or should they find someone more suitable to pair with Jackson in the backend?
One name to watch is Vikings safety Anthony Harris, who had 60 tackles and 11 pass breakups in 2019. But given Harris plays strong safety, it would give Jackson a chance to move back to free safety, where he had a breakout year in 2018.
CB Trae Waynes
Minnesota Vikings
No doubt cornerback will be one of the positions of need for the Bears this offseason, both in free agency and the NFL Draft. The Bears could save $8 million in salary cap space if they cut veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara, who had his share of struggles in 2019. While the Bears could replace Amukamara in-house with second-year cornerback Kevin Toliver, they could also turn to the free agent market.
If Vikings cornerback Trae Waynes hits free agency, he’ll certainly be a top target for teams like the Bears. Waynes has the speed to cover guys downfield, and he’s shown an ability to matchup with some top receivers. But he does have an injury history, although the price tag would be cheaper than some other free agent targets.
SS Andrew Sendejo
Minnesota Vikings
Another intriguing option at strong safety for the Bears is Vikings’ Andrew Sendejo, who has seen action with both Minnesota and Philadelphia this season.
While Sendejo has been a spot starter for the Vikings, he’s been effective when on the field. In 2019, Sendejo had 45 tackles, one sack and four pass breakups. Given Minnesota’s depth at safety, Sendejo could see consideration at strong safety.
CB Jimmy Smith
Baltimore Ravens
Given the importance of the cornerback in today’s pass-happy NFL, the Bears need to decide what they’re going to do opposite Kyle Fuller next year in the secondary. While Amukamara’s future is in question — as Chicago can save $8 million in cap space by releasing him — there’s a ton of cornerback talent in free agency that the Bears should take a look at.
One of those top options is Ravens’ corner Jimmy Smith, who is one of the game’s best cornerbacks when not injured. In 2019, Smith had 30 total tackles, one interception, one sack and six pass breakups. Since 2018, Smith has allowed just two passing touchdowns when he’s been targeted in coverage. He’s definitely someone the Bears should keep an eye on.
G Kevin Pamphile
Tennessee Titans
The offensive line is a position that Chicago will be looking to address this offseason, especially with Kyle Long’s retirement. The Bears are in the market for a starting right guard — and guard depth in general.
With the Bears needing plenty of help on the offensive line, Titans guard Kevin Pamphile could be someone Chicago targets as depth at the guard position. Pamphile signed a one-year extension with the Titans last season, and he’s due to hit the open market once again.
SS Anthony Levine
Baltimore Ravens
The Bears will have no shortage of pending free agent safeties to keep an eye on Saturday, and Ravens’ strong safety Anthony Levine is another one Chicago could consider, should he hit the open market.
Levine could become a cap casualty for the Ravens, and the Bears might want to take a look. Levine is a eight-year veteran that is trained at multiple positions in Baltimore. He’s split time between strong safety and slot corner, and he’s been a core special teamer.
