Chicago Bears agree to re-sign two more of their own free agents
By Ryan Heckman
Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears aren’t done making moves before the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears have brought in several free agents from outside their own locker room this offseason. Ryan Pace has, of course, had his hands full with several signings and decisions. Tuesday, he confirmed the Bears would be bringing back two of their own free agents.
Ryan Pace confirms the Bears agreed to terms to re-sign CB Marcus Cooper and LS Patrick Scales.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) March 27, 2018
Over the last few days, it was reported that Marcus Cooper would be coming back. Today, Pace made it official. Cooper was signed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million.
Before coming to the Bears, Cooper was the starter, opposite of Patrick Peterson, for the Arizona Cardinals. He visited his old team a couple of days ago, and Chicago may have seen that as a sign to make a decision quickly.
Cooper was nothing special in 2017, but I suppose going after someone who is familiar with the scheme at an affordable price makes sense.
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Last season, Cooper’s time on the field may be remembered by one play and one play only. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he picked up a blocked kick and returned it almost all the way to the end zone before he prematurely slowed down and thought about celebrating.
I know, it still hurts. I’ll stop there.
Patrick Scales, meanwhile, spent 21 straight games on the field for the Bears before tearing his ACL in a preseason bout last year. He was brought back due to familiarity and consistency he brought to the table prior to injury, and likely also due to an affordable contract.
It’s unclear at the moment, but with the re-signing of Cooper as well as Sherrick McManis, I doubt the Bears will go after a cornerback early in the draft. I could be wrong, but having the number of guys under contract they do already seems to point in that direction.