One team’s trash could be another team’s treasure. Especially when that trash could address some needs at defensive back.
Ahead of free agency next month, several teams made some cuts at defensive back, which could benefit the Bears that are in the market for some help in the secondary.
With safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix set to become a free agent and with cornerback Prince Amukamara likely to be a cap-casualty, the Bears will have holes to address in the offseason.
Here are three recently-released players that should be on Chicago’s radar heading into free agency.
Josh Norman, cornerback
The Redskins cut former All-Pro and Pro Bowl cornerback Josh Norman on Friday, and the Bears should consider adding Normal to their defensive backfield. Norman is 32 years old and his production has dipped over the last three seasons, where he had 48 pass breakups and nine interceptions.
But Norman would certainly benefit from joining one of the NFL’s best defenses, which features three former All-Pros in Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson and Kyle Fuller. With Prince Amukamara likely on his way out of Chicago, as cutting him would free up $9 million in cap space, Norman is an intriguing veteran option the Bears could pair with Fuller.
Tony Jefferson, safety
The Ravens released veteran safety Tony Jefferson on Friday, and he could be a good fit for the Bears. Jefferson spent three seasons with the Ravens, where he appeared in 35 games, recording 174 tackles, 11 passes defended, 3.5 sacks and two interceptions. He suffered a season-ending knee injury after five games in 2019, and his replacement Chuck Clark’s performance showed Baltimore they might be fine without Jefferson.
Jefferson played strong safety with the Ravens, which would make him an appealing option for Chicago. With Clinton-Dix operating at free safety, Eddie Jackson was forced to move to strong safety. And while Jackson remained a force in the backend, he wasn’t his usual dominant self. The Bears should target a strong safety that will allow Jackson to move back to his natural role, and maybe Jefferson is their guy.
Vernon Hargreaves, cornerback
The Texans released veteran cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, according to Ian Rapoport. Houston avoided the nearly $10 million fifth-year option Hargreaves was due in 2020 by releasing him before the start of the new league year.
Hargreaves, who started his career with the Buccaneers, didn’t give the Texans any reason to keep him around during his short tenure with Houston. He had 21 tackles, two pass breakups and one tackle for loss in six games with the Texans. His passer rating against over the last two years increased from 96.7 and 116.1. Not exactly reassuring. Of all three of these potential free agent targets, Hargreaves is the riskiest. That is, if the Bears were to decide to take a chance on him.
