5 available bargain free agents the Chicago Bears could still sign

The Chicago Bears would get a bargain if they signed free agent linebacker Dont’a Hightower

The Bears are going through quite the shuffle on defense this offseason. It began when the team announced they would be parting ways with nose tackle Eddie Goldman and linebacker Danny Trevathan. Chicago also let Bilal Nichols and Akiem Hicks go to free agency, and then proceeded to trade star pass rusher Khalil Mack.

As for the remaining guys, the roster will look different. Roquan Smith will likely play the weak side linebacker position. Newly-signed Nicholas Morrow could play either strong side or inside. But, the Bears still need a third starter for their 4-3 defense.

2-time Pro Bowl selection and longtime New England Patriots starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower is still unsigned and could be the perfect stopgap for this Bears defense needing a fill-in starter in the short-term.

The 32-year-old Hightower has experience playing both outside and inside throughout his career, and also comes from a scheme which saw him blitz on occasion. His 27.0 career sacks have proven he is an all-around linebacker that is more than capable doing a bit of everything at his position. With his age in consideration, Hightower would come fairly cheap.

After nearly a decade in New England, Hightower is now searching for only his second team. Could it be with the Bears?