Chicago Bears: Early look at all 20 upcoming free agents

Restricted Free Agents

We’ll do this section a bit differently. The Bears have four restricted free agents this offseason, and I have them keeping every one of them. Let’s go through each one briefly.

Long snapper Patrick Scales

Quite honestly, this isn’t a sexy position. But, due to continuity and health, bringing Scales back to Chicago makes a ton of sense. Lock down an often-overlooked position with a guy who performed well in 2018. Easy decision.

Defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris

Finally, this kid looked like he broke out in 2018. We’ve been waiting for Robertson-Harris to show us what he can do on a consistent basis, and he did just that last season. He is a guy who, because he was surrounded by elite talent, stepped up to the plate. His 3.0 sacks last year weren’t much, but he pressured the quarterback often and was a productive part of this unit overall.

Tight end Ben Braunecker

I am a fan of Braunecker. I always have been. I see an athlete with hands whenever he’s on the field and sees a target. Sure, he’s rarely targeted, but that’s beside the point. Now, could the Bears add to the position this offseason? Definitely. Could Braunecker be beat out by somebody else come training camp? Sure. For now, though, bring him back.

Safety DeAndre Houston-Carson

If I have the Bears letting go of Amos (for now), then it would make a heck of a lot of sense to bring Houston-Carson back. Seeing two safeties walk, who are both familiar with the defensive personnel, would be tough. I’m not saying Houston-Carson will start next season, but for now, his depth is valuable.