Chicago Bears Mailbag: Free agency, running backs, and the NFL draft
By Usayd Koshul
4. Another bold move by Ryan Pace?
The Bears are often compared to the Rams for various reasons. And while the Mack trade is probably equivalent to the Peters, Talib and Cooks trade.... Do you think Pace has 1 more big move in him? If so, what move do you think puts them in Miami next year?
— DJackson (@action4life) February 28, 2019
Yes, I’ve got a feeling that Pace has got something up his sleeve that will take the NFL by surprise this offseason. Throughout his tenure in Chicago, whenever Ryan Pace has said that there is a certain position that is a “position of emphasis” for the Bears, Pace has used every avenue possible to address that position.
Let me get this out of the way first, however: Last offseason, the Rams made a number of moves and reached the Super Bowl. However, things will be different for the Bears. The Bears will need to make one or two moves, but won’t have to make a major move like the Rams did when they traded for Brandin Cooks to reach the Super Bowl.
It’s hard to project that one “splash move” that Ryan Pace is going to make considering the roster has very few needs, however, I’ve got a feeling that it will likely be on the defense and be in free agency. Big moves don’t have to necessarily mean that a player is brought in via trade or free agency, a big move could also be retaining your own players.
I don’t expect the Bears to be very active during the first wave of free agency because their sole focus is going to be retaining Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan. If the Bears can retain both, that itself is a big move.
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When the team is more active during the second wave of free agency, Pace could make a number of under the radar signings, bringing in players like Jamie Collins, Connor Barwin, or even Shane Ray. All three would fill a depth need for the Bears.
Overall, I view the Bears ideal offseason moves like this: Retain Amos and Callahan, add depth via free agency, find a kicker, and then add a starting running back through the NFL Draft. That should be enough to get this team to Miami next year for Super Bowl LIV.