Chicago Bears: 10 bold predictions for 2019 NFL free agency
By Ryan Heckman
6. Bears re-sign Pat O’Donnell
Look, I don’t love this idea. Heck, I don’t even really like it. But, I think the Bears bring back Pat O’Donnell — at least for training camp purposes.
Many fans would love to see Pace snag a punter in the sixth or seventh round of this year’s draft, and he just might do that. He may also wait to bring in an undrafted free agent or two, to compete with O’Donnell in the offseason and throughout camp this summer.
If Chicago lets go of O’Donnell, they don’t have any extravagant options in free agency. Maybe guys like Jordan Berry of the Pittsburgh Steelers or Ryan Allen of the New England Patriots are worth a look, but they’re not in the elite category.
If you’re not going to significantly upgrade the position via free agency, then I’d say it’s best to stick with what you’ve got and address the issue via the NFL Draft.
O’Donnell was supposed to be the answer for the Bears when they drafted him a few years back in 2014. But, he’s been average at best — inconsistent is probably the best word to describe his work with the Bears. He’s never really been one of the best, and not necessarily one of the worst. But, he comes up with some of the worst punts you’ll ever see at some of the worst possible times.