5 free agent starters the Chicago Bears can still sign
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Bears could sign free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner
Funny enough, there is a theme here. Once again, this is a player over 30 years old. But, Bobby Wagner is coming off a career year in terms of production, with 170 total tackles. At age 31, Wagner still looks as good as he ever has.
The Bears have Roquan Smith, one of the league’s top linebackers already on this defense. Adding Wagner in the middle, next to Smith, would be a scary sight to see. Chicago signed former Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow to come in and likely start as well, but probably on the strong side. Wagner slotting into the middle would give the Bears their starting linebackers, then.
Like the aforementioned guys, Wagner would probably still command a hefty contract. And, he’s one of the guys the Bears should pay if it came down to it. With his level of production, age is merely a number — at least for another couple of years.
Getting a veteran presence like Wagner, to replace that of Mack and Akiem Hicks, would benefit some of the younger guys too. Wagner has Super Bowl experience and could really give this unit a lift in multiple aspects.