Chicago Bears Free Agency: 5 players worth the money

5. Defensive End Derek Wolfe

Derek Wolfe is soon to be 30 years old and the Denver Broncos should be a team looking to build through youth at this point, especially on defense. It is within the realm of possibilities that they let Wolfe go.

Last year, under Vic Fangio, Wolfe enjoyed one of the best years of his career — no surprise to Bears fans. In 12 games, Wolfe finished with a career-high 7.0 sacks and a total of eight tackles for loss (second-highest of his career).

Had he not missed the remaining month of the season due to an elbow injury, it is likely that Wolfe would have surpassed career highs in all major categories.

For a while now, he’s been one of the better run-stuffing defensive ends in the league and would make for a great pairing with Akiem Hicks. This last season, Wolfe made over $9 million. As a 30-year-old coming off an injury, I would assume his average annual salary goes down.

The Bears sure have a few issues which they’d be better off addressing than signing Wolfe, and they already have Bilal Nichols on the rise as well. But, giving them a 3-man rotation like that would be lethal — and a potentially great 4-man rotation if they brought back Nick Williams.

Like I said, Wolfe wouldn’t address a major need. However, he’s a very, very good player and would be worth the money. Some might scratch their head if he was brought in, but he’s absolutely worth the money he will be paid.