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Chicago Bears 2017 free agency: So far not so good

By Carlos Nazario

Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) changes the play at the line during the second half of a football game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium.The Buccaneers won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) changes the play at the line during the second half of a football game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium.The Buccaneers won 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the first day of free agency, the Chicago Bears lost a key part of the offense and missed out on rumored targets. They also picked up a quarterback that underwhelmed.

Okay, so it’s just the first day of free agency. The Chicago Bears didn’t exactly come out of the gate blazing. They came into the new league year with over $51 million in cap space, and many expected them to make a splash. Considering they came off of a 3-13 season, many fans demanded a splash.

The Bears’ first move was to move on from the Jay Cutler era. They cut him shortly after the new league year began. That ended an era full of controversy and frustration on both sides.

The Bears replaced Cutler with Mike Glennon. Now, this may not seem like a move that makes the fan base too happy, but it can work as long as they have a Plan B that works. That Plan B is hitting on one of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft. No, they cannot get a fourth round pick and develop him. They need to pick one up early and hopefully that kid can step up in year two, or maybe even in year one.

This move is something that can set the franchise back even more than it currently is. I don’t know, but something about the fact that he lost his job to Josh McCown and not Jameis Winston sticks to me. Additionally, if it blows up in their faces, it will cost general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox’s jobs.

What’s the plan at wide receiver?

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The Bears also said farewell to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. Even with the injuries and the suspension, they took a hit. Jeffery is still one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, and there isn’t much of a receivers corps now. They did sign Markus Wheaton, but he’s coming off a season in which he played in only three games because of a shoulder injury. He had some productive seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that was because he played on the other side of Antonio Brown. In Chicago, he looks to be a number one. How will that work out?

Wheaton says (via the Chicago Tribune) he’s ready for the challenge.

"I definitely will lead by example and I am planning on helping out in any way I can whether it is leadership or obviously making plays on the field,. Whatever I can bring from Pittsburgh that will help, I am definitely open to it."

Wheaton has his work cut out for him. The Bears have Kevin White, Cam Meredith, and Josh Bellamy. White caught just 19 passes in two seasons and Bellamy is mainly a special teams guy. Meredith had an eye-opening season in 2016, however. Wide receiver looks to be another need in the draft.

What about defensive back?

The Chicago Bears were rumored to be in on cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and Stephon Gilmore. Instead, Bouye signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Gilmore signed with the New England Patriots.

The GIlmore situation really hurt. By all accounts, the deal was practically done. Instead, the Bears let him get away, even though they had enough money to get him.

The Bears did sign safety Quentin Demps, but he is 32 years old. He was productive in 2016 (9 passes defended, 6 interceptions), but how much more does he have? This has the look of another Antrel Rolle situation.

Again, it looks like it’s the draft to fill holes at safety and cornerback. Bouye and Gilmore were the top cornerbacks, and none of the other available players seem much more than stopgaps.

The Bears also signed DIon Sims, but now that means they have TWO injury-riddled tight ends. Sims suffered concussion in the last two seasons that kept him out of games. He is a good run blocker when he is in there, though.

Next: Keep an open mind on Glennon

As I mentioned, it’s only been one day. Winning the offseason doesn’t guarantee winning the regular season. Let’s see what Pace and company have set up for the coming weeks leading up to the draft. From the moves made so far, however, it seems like the Chicago Bears went into free agency looking like old misers, and it’s keeping them from giving the fans the winners they deserve.

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