Chicago Bears: 5 defensive free agents to cut ties with
By Ryan Heckman
3. Outside linebacker Aaron Lynch
If the Bears could assure themselves the 2018 version of Aaron Lynch, maybe they bring him back. But, the 2018 version was a little different than what we saw last year.
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Two seasons ago, Lynch was, of course, under Vic Fangio. Lynch played for Fangio in San Francisco once upon a time, and Fangio seemed to get the best out of him in both places. Last year, though, Lynch didn’t look as effective on tape.
If you look strictly at the numbers, Lynch had a decent season as a reserve. He was actually pretty healthy and accumulated one more quarterback hit in 2019 than he did in 2018. Overall, though, the defense really missed a significant pass rusher opposite of Mack. I think the Bears could combine the money they would pay Irving and Lynch, collectively, and potentially grab someone in free agency to try in their place.
If not finding someone via free agency, they could definitely look to the draft and bring in a young, hungry rookie looking to prove himself.
Maybe it’s just the fan in me seeing that this team needs another playmaker at this spot, but I think they move on from Lynch and, like Irving, could choose to bring him back later in the summer if need be.