The Chicago Bears should keep an eye out in the free agent market for potential defensive upgrades. Dennis Allen's unit entered the offseason with more doubts than certainties, and some of those remain unsettled.
That's certainly the case with Kyler Gordon. Their former Pro Bowler has been a headache with a lingering injury, and it looks like he's still far from healthy after missing most of last season with the same ailment.
Considering that, the Bears should consider making a run at Kenny Moore II. The former Indianapolis Colts veteran is the best nickelback still up for grabs, and he'd give this new-look secondary solutions at multiple spots.
Kenny Moore II can change everything for the Chicago Bears
Moore asked to be released. He didn't consider himself a good fit for defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and his overly complex schemes, and after riding the bench for most of last season, this seemed to be an easy decision.
By having him start in the slot, the Bears could continue to work out rookie standout Malik Muhammad on the boundary. That would give them some much-needed insurance for the injury-prone and often erratic Tyrique Stevenson, who's also entering a make-or-break season.
Moore might not be the most popular guy out there, but he's widely underrated. Despite making just 14 appearances (seven starts) last season, he registered 55 total tackles (34 solo), including three tackles for loss.
He also had three quarterback hits, six passes defensed, one interception — a pick-six — and forced a couple of fumbles. A former Pro Bowler, Moore limited opposing quarterbacks to an 89.2 passer rating.
The Bears clearly had high hopes for Gordon, and it's not his fault that he can't stay healthy, but they can't just rest on their laurels and hope for the best. Their defense left plenty to be desired in coverage, and they had to rely way too much on creating takeaways to get their opposition off the field.
According to Spotrac, Moore has a projected market value of just $5.6 million a year. That's a bargain for a proven veteran who still has plenty left in the tank and who can give this team not only a solution at the position but also the freedom to move their versatile and promising cornerback to the outside as a potential upgrade opposite Jaylon Johnson.
This team has waited too long to address this concern, and it's starting to look like Gordon situation might only get worse before it gets any better.
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