Chicago Bears: 5 defensive free agents to stay away from

Derrick Johnson has led one heck of a career as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He should no doubt be in the Hall of Fame conversation when eligible, but for now he has assured the world he would love to continue playing. Sadly, for Chiefs fans, it will not be at Arrowhead.

Johnson has had five career seasons with 100-plus tackles. He’s been a versatile player his entire career. But, last season was just the second time he failed to register a single sack or interception. The first time was due to missing essentially the entire year with an injury.

I understand the desire for a guy like Johnson to come to Chicago. He is a big name with a proven track record. His presence in the locker room would definitely be welcomed. But, if Pace is truly trying to head in a certain direction, Johnson can’t be part of the equation.

That direction, of course, is youth. Freeman was released as part of this movement for the defense. Even Sitton’s release had, in part, to do with the youth uprising in Chicago.

I would not be surprised if the Bears continue cutting players who are either getting up there in age or have struggled to stay healthy, especially when it comes to the defense. Vic Fangio has proven to do wonders with this mostly-younger roster, and if given the choice, I’d bet he would choose to keep it young.

If Pace wants to keep this train going, Johnson will likely be a name the Bears will skip out on.