Chicago Bears Free Agency: Bargain edge rushers still available
By Ryan Heckman
A week into NFL free agency, and the Chicago Bears have yet to make an addition to the edge rusher position. There are still some cheaper options available.
Ryan Pace has made it apparent his Chicago Bears are on a mission. A week ago, he cleared up an extra $13 million in cap space within 24 hours, ensuring he was not going to be without cash during the 2019 edition of NFL free agency.
Some thought this was Pace gearing up for guys like Le’Veon Bell, Justin Houston or even Earl Thomas. While Bell and Thomas have already signed elsewhere and Houston is still out there, it appears as though Pace might be purposefully flying under the radar with his extra cap room.
It’s still a possibility he brings in an old friend of head coach Matt Nagy and adds Houston. But, maybe that money was set aside to begin planning the future signings he’s going to have to make in his existing locker room.
Pace did make a few moves already in free agency, starting with running back Mike Davis and nickel corner Buster Skrine. He continued by inking return specialist and offensive weapon Cordarrelle Patterson, followed by adding a former nemesis in Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. Add in the speedy Marvin Hall and veteran offensive lineman Ted Larson, and Pace has actually made several signings.
Although none are as splashy as last offseason, these are all calculated moves. The Bears still need to add to a few positions; one being edge rusher. Pace has to add some depth behind Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd. Maybe he goes after one in the draft and another veteran on the cheap.
Which guys are still available who wouldn’t cost too much? Let’s look at a few.
Remember, some of these guys would be deeper adds. Even bringing them into training camp to see what they could offer might be worth a shot, if only they’re brought in on a low-cost budget.