Chicago Bears Free Agency: Grades, implications of initial signings

Cornerback Buster Skrine

Deal: 3-year, $16.5 million

Out of every move the Bears have made thus far, the most controversial and questionable signing is cornerback Buster Skrine. Formerly of the New York Jets, Skrine plays mostly in the slot, which means Chicago is officially moving on from Bryce Callahan.

At an average of $5.5 million per year for Skrine, there isn’t any way Callahan is coming back at this point.

Nagy has said in the past that he loves Skrine because of how physical he is — and that’s a fact. Skrine plays at 100 miles an hour at all times. He’s aggressive and isn’t afraid of going head-on with anybody.

Skrine plays best in the box, and closer to the line of scrimmage. He’s had a history of being burned badly in coverage, which is something new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is going to have to monitor. Putting Skrine in situations where he’s alone without help is an absolute no-no.

Pagano has loved physical defensive backs, historically, so I trust that the new coordinator has a plan for Skrine. Like many fans, though, I have my hesitancies about this signing. It’s not a large sum of money, but it’s enough to know the Bears are committed to Skrine as their full-time slot corner.

Playing behind a front seven like Chicago boasts is going to help Skrine (or anyone in the secondary, for that matter) obtain more chances at making plays on the ball. That’s the positive about seeing Skrine in coverage. But, his time in one-on-one has to be limited.

Grade: C+