Chicago Bears Free Agency: Overlooked defensive players still available

3. OLB Clay Matthews

Clay Matthews has become an enemy of Bears fans over the years. There’s no denying the fact that whenever he’s gotten a chance to, he’s taken shots at the Bears. However, with Green Bay landing two top-tier edge rushers in free agency, it appears as if Matthews time with the Packers has come to an end.

Set to be 33 years old by the start of the 2019 NFL Season, Matthews is looking for one last chance at a Super Bowl ring. In fact, Matthews best bet may be to join the team that’s been his biggest rival since he entered the NFL in 2009.

While it’s difficult to picture Matthews wearing a blue and orange jersey, let alone even think about it, his 83.5 career sacks are something that should attract the Bears front office. Additionally, throughout his career, Matthews has totaled 137 starts meaning he’s stayed relatively healthy for a ten-year veteran.

Getting Matthews just doesn’t mean that the Bears have signed “another pass rusher” on the open market. It means that the Bears have managed to find a player who’s got valuable playoff experience and knows what it takes to make a Super Bowl run. Additionally, out of all the outside linebackers currently available on the open market, Matthews seems to be the best one available.

While some want the Bears to go after another veteran pass rusher in Justin Houston, if the Bears cannot land Houston, then Matthews wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize. Yes, he’s played for the Packers, but if the Bears are serious about winning a Super Bowl, then Ryan Pace and co. will overlook Matthews time with Green Bay if they deem him to be one of the final pieces to the puzzle for a roster that has Super Bowl potential.