Chicago Bears: 4 free agent cornerbacks still available

This offseason, the Chicago Bears have improved plenty of positions already via free agency.

General manager Ryan Poles has added the most talent at linebacker, giving that defense both Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, which should drastically improve the unit as a whole.

One area, though, that needs a little more depth, is at cornerback. Fortunately, the 2023 NFL Draft is right around the corner. In addition, Poles could add a veteran free agent. There are plenty of them still available, and any of the following four would be solid signings.

Free agent cornerbacks the Chicago Bears should sign: Shaquill Griffin

Griffin is still only 27 years of age and will be entering his 7th year in the league. He started his career in Seattle, establishing himself as a solid corner in the league. He defended 48 passes and racked up 6 interceptions in four years for the Seahawks. Griffin ended up being a Pro Bowler in 2019.

Griffin was recently cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars, After the team gave him a three year, $44 million deal in 2021.

Unfortunately, in 2022, he battled hip and back injuries and only played in 6 games.

When healthy, Griffin’s proven he can be an above average corner in the NFL. The Bears may want to do their due diligence on those injuries, but assuming he’s good to go, Griffin would come in right away and be the Bears cornerback-two.  He does a good job reading routes and trusting his instincts to make a play.

Adding Griffin would be a great compliment to a secondary that consists of Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon, Eddie Jackson, and Jaquan Brisker. His experience will help with the younger corners in the room as well. A one-year deal would make a lot of sense. The Bears don’t have to make a long-term commitment, and they can still get a lot of productivity from him.

Free agent cornerbacks the Chicago Bears should sign: Rock Ya-Sin

Rock Ya-Sin would be a perfect fit for the Bears, as he spent three years in Matt Eberflus’ defense in Indianapolis. He was signed by the Raiders in 2022. In 11 games for the silver and black, he allowed 31 receptions on 53 targets. He finished with 7 pass deflections and 45 tackles.

Ya-Sin is great at sticking to his defender, and making a play on the ball. He also does a good job reading the quarterback’s eyes.

PFF projects that Ya-Sin will get a 3-year, $27 million deal. The Bears can afford that, but it will likely be a little too expensive for Ryan Poles’ taste. As we get deeper into free agency, maybe Ya-Sin is willing to take a 1-year deal. He recently visited the Ravens, but came away with no deal.

Ya-Sin is the most realistic possibility, due to the scheme fit. He’s played most of his snaps on the outside and did a good job. If the Bears end up signing him and it goes well, they could have another piece at cornerback for the future. Ya-Sin is still only 26, and has established himself as a starting cornerback in the NFL.

Free agent cornerbacks the Chicago Bears should sign: Marcus Peters

Ryan Poles was a part of the Chiefs scouting department when they selected Marcus Peters 18th overall in 2015. He’s a 3-time Pro Bowler and is entering his 8th season in the league.

Similar to Griffin, Peters would add a great veteran presence to the cornerback room. The only difference between the two is Peters has more success throughout his career. He’s also been around a little longer.

Peters spent the past two seasons in Baltimore. During that span, he put up 5 interceptions along with 15 pass deflections. Peters plays with swagger and confidence. He’s a big hitter and is great at making tackles in the open field. He also does a good job trying to punch the football out. He’s put up 6 forced fumbles in the past two seasons. His coverage skills are still solid despite his age.

Peters is 30-years old, so a one-year deal would be ideal. He’s still got something left in the tank, but definitely shouldn’t be a long-term commitment. The Bears have the cap space to make a reasonable short-term offer.

Peters could help round out this Bears secondary. With Ryan Poles familiarity with him, you’d have to think he’s one of the top candidates.

Free agent cornerbacks the Chicago Bears should sign: Eli Apple

Apple is no stranger to trash talk, especially on twitter. That can be a good thing when it comes to playing cornerback.

He’s bounced around the league. He was drafted by the Giants 10th overall in 2016. He was traded to the Saints in 2018, where he spent a year and a half. He had a short stint with the Panthers in 2020. Eventually he ended up with the Bengals where he’s spent the last two seasons.

In 2022, he only allowed 34.8 yards per game, and 2 touchdowns. He also deflected 8 passes, and only allowed 2.4 receptions a game. Apple does a good job sticking to his man and then making a play on the ball. He’s also a solid tackler.

Apple is still only 27 years old, and will be entering his 8th year in the league. He’s played in some big moments during his time in Cincy. Seven Playoff games including Super Bowl 56.

Apple would come in right away and be the cornerback-two for the Bears. He’s still talented, and would be the veteran piece the Bears need at the position. Another solid option for Ryan Poles.