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Chicago Bears 2017 free agency profiles: Cornerbacks

By Carlos Nazario

Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) intercepts a pas intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson (22) intercepts a pas intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

A.J. Bouye, 25 (6-foot-0, 191 pounds)

Bouye is one of the Houston Texans’ best-kept secret. He is one of the best players on the NFL’s highest-ranked defense.

Bouye made his presence known in the opening round against the Oakland Raiders. He defended four passes and had an interception.

While word is getting out on Bouye now, he struggled to garner attention early. The Texans signed him as an undrafted free agent rookie out of Central Florida. He worked hard for every accolade he gets, and he plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Before the game against the Raiders, Bouye heard the talk about Amari Cooper being better than any of the Texans corners, and he took it to heart.

“It’s funny,” Bouye said. “This game is about respect; I was watching the NFL Network and I tried to stay away from it, but one of the guys was saying in order for Cook to win they’re going to have to find a way to win to get Cooper on the Texans’ corners because he’s better than all of the Texans’ corners.

“I texted [injured Texans cornerback] Kevin [Johnson] right then. I took that personally, and I was telling everybody in here and they took it personally because it’s time that they respect us as a team, period.”

Bouye plays with no fear. He goes after any receiver and fights tooth and nail. Receivers know they are in for a battle when they face him.

Bouye used that attitude to bet on himself this season. The Texans offered him a multi-year contract, but at a nominal salary. He felt he deserved much more, so he rejected the offer and settled on a one-year, $1.671 million deal.

He won that bet, and now he is about to receive a huge increase.

Bouye is just 25 years old, so he is just entering his prime. I know I harp on it a lot, but with Fuller disappointing the coaching staff dealing with his injury, Bouye’s attitude would make him popular with the coaches. He could only continue to soar.

Bouye would be perfect to bring back the Monsters of the Midway attitude. Peanut Tillman would be proud to see him in a Chicago Bears uniform.

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