Chicago Bears: Overlooked, intriguing free agents still available
By Ryan Heckman
Cornerback Rashaan Melvin
One free agent that would come back home if he chose to sign with the Bears is cornerback Rashaan Melvin. Originally from Waukegan, IL, Melvin played college ball at Northern Illinois.
Last season, Melvin spent his lone year with the Oakland Raiders after having a breakout campaign with the Indianapolis Colts in 2017. His most recent season wasn’t as strong as that breakout year, but at 29 years old he still has a lot of football left in him and I’m sure he’s out to prove he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder.
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During that 2017 season with the Colts, Melvin played under then-head coach Chuck Pagano, who is now the new defensive coordinator in Chicago. He has a relationship built already, and would be a very valuable addition to the cornerback depth under Pagano.
Melvin started 10 games in 2017, finishing with 10 passes defensed and three interceptions. Having experience in the slot would help, too, since the Bears are seeing some changes at that position this year.
Fortunately for Chicago, the price would be cheaper than it was a year ago. Due to his past relationship with Pagano, this makes too much sense to add Melvin.