Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears pulled the wool over the eyes of the Detroit Lions at the beginning of NFL free agency, as they stole veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond. Raymond, who became a fan favorite with the Lions over five seasons, will be taking his talents to the Windy City on a one-year, $3.5 million deal.
For the Bears, it was a smart signing as they took away the Lions' best return specialist, and Raymond can step in when needed as a WR3/4, which they could use after Olamide Zaccheaus left in free agency.
However, Chicago shouldn’t just stop there with the Raymond signing. The Bears should try to see if they can steal another Lions free agent, especially as we wrap up this month. One player who should be on their watchlist next is Marcus Davenport. The Lions won’t lose sleep over the Bears taking Davenport, especially after his two lackluster seasons in Detroit. But the chance of being reunited with Dennis Allen could get the veteran pass rusher back on track.
Bears Should Take Shot on Former Lions DE Marcus Davenport
It’s highly unlikely that Davenport will be back in Detroit after the Lions brought in D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner on one-year deals. This should pave the way for Davenport to make his way to the Windy City.
Funny enough, if the Bears were to sign Davenport, he would’ve played for three out of the four NFC North teams in his career. Chicago could use some additional pass-rush depth, which they have not addressed yet in free agency.
The Bears have focused on adding depth to their interior defensive line, signing Neville Gallimore, James Lynch, and Kentavious Street. Davenport wouldn’t be a needle mover for the Bears, but he would be better than Daniel Hardy, who is a core special teamer.
As previously noted, Davenport’s two seasons in Detroit were essentially nonexistent as he was hampered by injuries, which have plagued him throughout his career. In 10 games in Detroit, the veteran defender produced a dismal 10 quarterback pressures, seven QB hits, 1.5 sacks, and a tackle for loss.
However, if there’s one person who can get him back on the right track, it's Dennis Allen, who had the opportunity to work with him in New Orleans. In Davenport’s five years with the Saints, he was productive, accumulating 60 quarterback hits, 25 tackles for loss, 21.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles (63 games).
If Davenport can move past the injury bug, which has hindered him in Detroit and Minnesota for one season, there’s a chance he could return to the player we saw with the Saints.Â
Spotrac projects Davenport’s market value as a one-year, $1.9 million deal, which is feasible for the Bears. However, Chicago only has $243,078 in cap space, per Over The Cap, so they would need to make a move to create room for Davenport.
If the Bears aren’t going after Joey Bosa or Jadeveon Clowney, they might as well throw a deal at Davenport to see what he has left in the tank, and if he can shake the injury cloud that has been hanging over him.