Chicago Bears: Ranking the four major free agents

4. Aaron Lynch

In 2018, in the second wave of free agency, the Bears struck gold when they signed former Vic Fangio pupil Aaron Lynch. The moved although perceived as odd to some, made sense for the Bears on multiple levels.

In 2014, during Lynch’s first season playing under Vic Fangio in San Francisco, he totaled six sacks showing that he had everything needed to be an effective outside linebacker in the NFL.

While he had another strong performance in 2015, Lynch would regress in 2016 and 2017 before experiencing a career resurgence in 2018. After signing a one-year deal worth four-million dollars, Lynch has definitely made a case for earning a long-term deal with the Bears.

However, Lynch’s future looks cloudy in Chicago.

At just 25 years old, Lynch has the potential to be a solid depth piece for the Bears for many years to come. There is no point in signing him to another one-year deal. It’s best for both sides to sign him to a two or three-year deal that will keep him in Chicago.

Unfortunately, if the Bears are unable to come to terms with Lynch, then they may look to Kylie Fitts or Isaiah Irving to become Lynch’s permanent replacement. While this is not ideal, if the two can show growth this offseason, then the Bears depth chart should be fine if Lynch decides to sign elsewhere.

Considering the situation the Bears are in, it’s likely that Lynch is shown the door without the two sides even talking a new contract. As good as Lynch has been, the financial situation that the Bears are in makes it more than likely that he does not get a new contract and is playing somewhere else next season.