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Chicago Bears Free Agency: Outside Linebackers

By Carlos Nazario

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates the win over the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) celebrates the win over the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Possible Chicago Bears linebacker candidate Cortney Upshaw
Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Courtney Upshaw — Baltimore Ravens

As I mentioned earlier, the Chicago Bears did well in signing Pernell McPhee out of Baltimore.

Another Raven the Bears could be interested in is Courtney Upshaw. Upshaw and McPhee were part of some very good Ravens defense until free agency and injuries ravaged the Ravens.

Upshaw was one of the few Baltimore players who did not succumb to the injury bug on this year’s team. He played every game this season, starting 15 of them. He had 51 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

For his career, Upshaw has 183 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

Upshaw is not a flashy player, and he does not talk on the field or in the media. He is one of the most reliable edge linebackers in the NFL, and is a big reason the Ravens constantly do well against the run.

Rushing defense was certainly a sore point with the Chicago Bears this season. They got gashed by many running backs, and that is something that needs to be shored up.

Upshaw would do that.

With the upcoming free agency, Upshaw’s coaches and teammates said they would really miss his presence on the field.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees expressed the sentiment in the Baltimore organization.

"He’s a tough, tough guy, and I don’t know if Courtney has missed a practice all year. If he has, it’s maybe one, and I don’t know if there’s any; and you know he’s hurting. He’s beat up. You don’t play that position and not get beat up. He brings an attitude to the defense. That’s what he brings to it, is just a sense of toughness – which is what you’re always looking for on defense – and a leader. He’s not a vocal guy, but he shows it on the field. And he’s a tough, tough, hard-nosed player, and he’s a very smart player."

The Ravens are hoping that the fact Upshaw is not a big sack guy would keep his price down, thus giving them a chance to re-sign him. The Chicago Bears have some money to burn, and while you don’t want them to go nuts, they can have enough to pry him away from Baltimore. McPhee can also do his part to recruit him to Chicago.

Upshaw may not be a well-known name among fans around the NFL, but he is known and respected as one of the top players in the league, and he would help make the Chicago Bears’ defense improve greatly in 2016 and beyond.

Next: He Could Be A Chief Among The Bears

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