Chicago Bears 2017 free agency profiles: Cornerbacks

Morris Claiborne, 26 (5-foot-11, 192 pounds)

After the number of injuries last season, the Chicago Bears might want to go after depth instead of going for a superstar. That is a cheaper route to go, and if injuries hit again, they have better depth to handle it.

Claiborne himself has injury troubles, however. He missed 26 games over the past three seasons. He is a talented player, but having him on the field is a problem.

Perhaps playing in a rotation helps Claiborne. If he can come in, play fewer snaps and stay healthy, then the payday comes later. Like Amukamara this season, Claiborne needs to prove he can stay on the field consistently.

Claiborne has an opportunity to impress during the playoffs. After missing nine games, he is set to come back and help his Dallas teammates make a Super Bowl run.

He is itching to get back after watching the Cowboys win game after game.

“It’s what you make of it,” Claiborne said. “My mindset is already set. No doubt in my mind I’m going to pick up where I left off.

“I’ve been working the whole time, just waiting, doing the work, doing what I can do to help myself and help my team…It’s hard — that’s your teammates out there. And you can’t go out there with them. It hurts, but it also motivates you.

“It takes you to a place where you’re almost doing everything in your power to get back to those guys.”

The Bears go after Claiborne only if the price is right. Playing in a rotation will help both him and the secondary. If his price goes up with his play in the playoffs, then Pace and company need to back down.