5 former high draft pick free agents the Chicago Bears can sign

The Chicago Bears could sign free agent linebacker Jarrad Davis

The Bears will look much different at linebacker in 2022 than they did a year ago. Obviously, switching to a 4-3 scheme is a big reason why. But, after trading Mack and also releasing veteran Danny Trevathan, they’ll have other names step in to take their place.

Already having signed Nicholas Morrow to come in and likely start next to Roquan Smith, the Bears still need another starting linebacker. One option they have to, at the very least come in and compete, is former first-round pick Jarrad Davis.

For the first two years of his career, Davis started for Detroit and played pretty well. He totaled 196 total tackles, 8.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, two recoveries and an interception. However, in his third year, Davis only played 11 games due to injury.

From there, things went downhill. In his final year in Detroit, Davis only started four games and then wound up signing with the New York Jets for the 2021 season. Davis was placed on injured reserve to begin the year, but returned to suit up in nine games.

Now a free agent and looking for a fresh start, Davis still presents a lot to like. He’s an extremely athletic linebacker who runs well. He plays fast and with a high motor, and there’s still potential for someone like Matt Eberflus to mold him into a worthy starter. At 27 years old, Davis is well-worth offering a prove-it deal.