Chicago Bears: 5 in-season free agents to sign

4. DE Muhammad Wilkerson

Back when he was healthy, Muhammed Wilkerson was one defensive lineman that was able to consistently have an impact on each play. However, the last few years, he’s been injured and has yet to find his preinjury form.

Last year, Wilkerson was with the Packers but his season ended early due an ankle injury. Before he went down with an injury was one of the best players on a Packers defensive line that included names like Kenny Clark.

Now, Wilkerson is a classic example of a veteran who’s career is winding and is looking to sign somewhere on a cheap deal where he will have a chance to win a championship. The Bears present an interesting scenario because they would then add to what is already one of the deepest defensive lines in the NFL.

Wilkerson is listed as a defensive end however he also has experience playing as a defensive tackle which means that he’d be able to backup Eddie Goldman and be a solid run stopper in Chuck Pagano’s defense.

Over the last few years, the Bears have had trouble finding a consistent defensive tackle to backup Goldman. If you decide to sign a guy like Wilkerson to a cheap deal, you’ve solved that problem because Goldman goes down with an injury, Wilkerson would automatically take over and be able to have an impact.