Chicago Bears: 4 underrated free agents left to sign after draft

Underrated free agents for Chicago Bears to sign post-draft: CB Steven Nelson

Lastly, the Bears should look at signing former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson, who the team parted ways with earlier in the offseason.

Nelson has been a versatile corner over the years. He’s been able to play both slot cornerback and on the outside, which would give the Bears exactly what they need at the position. Chicago needs depth, and Nelson could provide just that. In fact, he would likely win the slot cornerback job if the Bears thought Thomas Graham Jr. could use a year and Duke Shelley wasn’t necessarily the guy for the job.

Over his career, Nelson has been pretty reliable, which is something the Bears could use on the outside, specifically. Should Desmond Trufant or Jaylon Johnson get hurt, Nelson could step in and fill that void. He’s played at least 15 games in each of his last three years.

Nelson is also a pass disruptor. He has two separate seasons in which he’s come up with at least 15 passes defensed, posting nine just last season. The Bears need more guys in their cornerback room that know how to make plays on the ball and create havoc in the passing game for opposing offenses.

If the Bears signed Nelson, their cornerback room would look a whole lot better. They’d be getting a solid veteran who has performed well for both the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s still only 28 years old.