Chicago Bears: 5 defensive free agents worth pursuing

Sheldon Richardson

If the Chicago Bears want to take a chance, they could go after a big name like Sheldon Richardson. Known as a guy who may not necessarily be the best for a locker room, Richardson is as controversial a free agent as they come.

There is no doubt, though, that Richardson is a force when at his best. The best thing he brings to the Bears is his ability to cause mayhem against the run. Richardson has shown the ability to make it incredibly difficult on running backs attempting to get past the first level.

As good as he is against the run, Richardson has also flashed as a pass rusher. He broke out with eight sacks in 2014 and followed it up with five in 2015. Since then, his sack numbers have been low. Whether that is due to lack of effort, skill decline or inside distractions is the real question.

I am confident enough in Richardson’s ability, though, that I think he is absolutely worth bringing in. The attitude that Hicks has brought to that front seven would fuel Richardson to put his best work on the field more than ever.

He isn’t a project by any means, but Richardson will definitely have to change some things. His locker room presence is one of those. Pace has done a fantastic job keeping guys who are team-first type of players. Can Richardson prove to be one of them? I think that’s the biggest question.

Richardson is only 27 years old entering his sixth season, so to say he should be showing any signs of decline is silly. He should most certainly have plenty of great football left in him — in the right situation. Here’s to hoping Pace can land a freshly motivated and highly talented player.