Chicago Bears: Who should stay and who should go

Tracy Porter — Cornerback

Tracy Porter has been a pleasant addition to the Chicago Bears’ defense. Despite being out of the first two games of the season because of a hamstring issue, he leads the team in pass breakups with 17. He also has 26 tackles, a forced fumble and a huge interception.

That interception helped preserve a win against the Green Bay Packers. In that game, Aaron Rodgers targeted him twelve times, but Porter allowed just two receptions and had four breakups, including one in the end zone late in the game.

Porter’s relationship with general manager Ryan Pace in New Orleans and John Fox in Denver got him to Chicago. Like Jenkins, he was given a “prove it” contract after playing on four teams in the last four years because of injuries.

Also like Jenkins, Porter has made the best of his opportunity. He got himself into great shape (after taking care of the hamstring of course), and is having a solid season.

Much like Jenkins, Porter is a great leader as well. He took second-year corner Kyle Fuller under his wing after his early season struggles, and Fuller turned his season around.

Porter loves being in Chicago, and wants to remain there.

"To be honest, I love playing for coach Fox, the direction we’re going here as a team. Should they want me to come back, I would definitely be interested in it. I know it’s a business, so I can’t sit here and say I know they’ll want me back, that I know I’ll be here — I just know this is a real good organization and coach Fox and Ryan (Pace) are doing tremendous jobs changing the culture here. It’s fun to play football. When you have an organization where football is fun, you definitely want to be here."

Look for the Chicago Bears to reward Porter for his play and leadership. At age 29 and his history of injuries, however, the Bears will probably look for backup plans by drafting a corner as well. They can groom him to ultimately replace Porter.

Next: Shea McClellin