Chicago Bears: Ranking Ryan Pace’s top 5 worst free agency signings

2. CB Marcus Cooper

I don’t think there is a single Bears fan in the world who doesn’t hear the name Marcus Cooper and not immediately think of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers last year. Before we reminisce, let us first recall the heart-warming letter he wrote to Bears fans after signing with the team.

"“…I will work hard for you. I will never quit…”"

Hey Marcus, remember that whole not quitting thing?

The letter he posted to fans via Instagram was very touching and all, but that never seemed to translate onto the football field.

Cooper got his hands on a blocked field goal and took off. At some point on his way to the end zone, he had it in his mind that he could begin his celebration prematurely. From there, chaos ensued.

Somehow, this guy got a three year deal worth $16 million. Somehow, the Bears recovered to win that game against Pittsburgh.

In 2017, he held a cap hit of $5 million on the books. A season ago, Cooper only played 23 percent of snaps on defense and registered just 17 tackles.

Cooper did not have a single takeaway or sack, and defended just three passes. According to Pro Football Focus, Cooper’s rating of 42.5 would have been good for 13th-worst in all of football had he qualified with enough defensive snaps.

It turns out, all Cooper was good for in 2017 was a good chunk on special teams.