Chicago Bears: 5 veteran free agents to sign after 2023 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Free agents for the Chicago Bears to sign after 2023 NFL Draft: Shaquill Griffin, CB
The Bears’ cornerback room looks a lot better after the draft but they could still use another veteran presence. The starting outside corners should be veteran Jaylon Johnson and rookie Tyrique Stevenson, without a doubt. That will then allow last year’s rookie Kyler Gordon to stay in the slot, manning that area where he proved to be very comfortable in 2022.
The first man up off the bench is Kindle Vildor, who stepped up last season and improved greatly. Once thought of as a liability, Vildor played much better than anyone anticipated and becomes a valuable backup.
Chicago drafted two more rookies in Minnesota’s Terrell Smith and the previously-mentioned Williamson, who might profile better at safety.
Other than Vildor, though, the next veteran up is Jaylon Jones, who had his fair share of brutal games a year ago. That’s why Shaquill Griffin makes sense. At just 27 years old, Griffin has a few good years left in him.
Last year was hampered by injury, but Griffin should be good to go as he was cleared in early March. In 2021, he was targeted 66 times and gave up three touchdowns. He’s more of a bend-don’t-break type, but as a backup, Griffin is worth bringing in.