Ryan Pace is going to turn the Chicago Bears into a winner in 2018

2016 Free Agent Class

Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, Bobby Massie, Ted Larsen, Jerrell Freeman, Manny Ramirez, Logan Paulsen, Omar Bolden and Rob Housler make up the 2016 free agent class.

Hicks and Trevathan have proven to become home run signings. Hicks signed a one year deal, while Trevathan signed a four year deal for $28 million. He played so well in his first year that Pace offered him a four-year, $48 million extension before the start of the 2017 season.

It’s probably a good thing that he did because I think Hicks could make even more money in the open market.

Massie signed a 3-year deal. His play has been inconsistent and is a potential cut after the 2017 season. He can be cut with a $500,000 in dead money.

Freeman also signed a 3-year deal, and he was one of the best linebackers in football in 2016. However, he had a season-ending injury this season, and to make matters worse he tested positive for PEDs (for the second time), which means he would be suspended 10 games in 2018. He can be released in the off-season for only $500,000 in dead cap.

Again, all of these other signings were for one-year deals. After spending their first year as a Chicago Bear, Pace was willing to extend Unrein (one-year), Miller (two years), McManis (two years) and Acho (one-year). All of these players have a role on the team and are productive in that role.