Windy City Gridiron - Chicago Bears Roster Turnover: A breakdown of each position groupA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2019-02-19T16:00:00-06:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/179718912019-02-19T16:00:00-06:002019-02-19T16:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: A third outside linebacker is needed
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<img alt="Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/M0z8QRTQFhzvx4DE9MvkFwsD7UA=/0x25:1508x1030/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63078687/1074137718.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="f4IRe5"><span><strong>Khalil Mack</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2024 -</strong> <span>Mack</span> not only changed the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>’ defense, but he helped change the perception of the entire franchise. It wasn’t all him, but with Ryan Pace swinging the blockbuster trade, a message was sent to the NFL that the Bears are ready. The team still had to go out and get it done on the field, but <span>Mack</span> helped them have the number one defense and head coach <span>Matt Nagy</span> led them to a 12-4 record. </p>
<p id="g6DYKB"><span>Mack</span> causes so many problems for opposing offenses. He’s a game changer that teams must account for on every snap. <span>Mack</span>’s primary job will still be getting after the quarterback, but we might see him rushing from some different angles in 2019 with a new coordinator in town.</p>
<p id="JRgblK"><span><strong>Leonard Floyd</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2020 -</strong> The Bears picked up <span>Floyd</span>’s 5th year option giving the team control for 2020, but I can’t imagine they aren’t working on a contract extension to lock him up long term. After a slow start to his 2018 season, he came on strong enough to be a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> alternate. </p>
<p id="wSJagh"><span><strong>Aaron Lynch</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> The 25-year old <span>Lynch</span> had a bounce-back year that should get him a long term deal this offseason. Whether that’s with the Bears, with his mentor Vic Fangio in Denver, or with another team remains to be seen. He played in 13 games and about 34% of the defensive snaps in 2018 as the number three OLB. I think he’s in the perfect role in Chicago and I could see the Bears offering a three-year deal to keep him around, but another team may view him as a starter. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">2018's highest-graded edge defenders in the NFC North <a href="https://t.co/ouNfM4nomG">pic.twitter.com/ouNfM4nomG</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1096465921114361857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2019</a>
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<p id="dguXFa"><span><strong>Sam Acho</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> <span>Acho</span>’s cap hit is over $2 million in 2019 and releasing him would only be $250,000 in dead money, so that makes him a viable cap casualty candidate. He’s a good special teamer and a quality back up OLB, plus a veteran team leader, so the Bears will need to weigh all that against how much they need the extra cap space. </p>
<p id="VPpPop"><span><strong>Kylie Fitts</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> <span>Fitts</span> didn’t develop like I thought he would as a rookie. He appeared in 6 games and didn’t scratch the stat sheet. There’s still some potential there, and after spending a year with the strength and conditioning coaches I wouldn’t be surprised to see him push for a real role in 2019. </p>
<p id="yoq0Nk"><span><strong>Isaiah Irving</strong></span><strong> - Exclusive rights free agent -</strong> <span>Irving</span> will be back to compete for a spot after playing in a career high 13 games last year and getting the first sack of his career. He and <span>Fitts</span> (both 24-years old) could be angling for one spot on the roster. </p>
<p id="U3rbpR"><span><strong>James Vaughters</strong></span><strong> - Signed a reserve/future deal -</strong> <span>Vaughters</span> (6’2”, 250) had 11 sacks the last two years with the Calgary Stampeders as a defensive end, but he will play OLB in Chicago.</p>
<p id="zwZKGP"><strong>2018 OUTLOOK -</strong> In a perfect world <span>Irving</span> and/or Fitts will break out in 2019, but I don’t think the Bears can count on that happening. I like <span>Acho</span>, but I like him as a 4th or 5th OLB on the depth chart. </p>
<p id="lQEib7">The Bears don’t have a lot of needs, but they need a third outside linebacker that can rush the passer. That could be <span>Lynch</span>, but a popular name to watch for is Terrell Suggs. The 36-year old has played all 16 of his professional seasons with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, but he may be inclined to join his former defensive coordinator, Chuck Pagano, who will be calling the D in Chicago, for a shot at another ring. Pagano will no doubt like to bring a few familiar faces to his defense and Suggs fills a need for the Bears.</p>
<p id="hs7Wx4">There are a few veteran 3-4 OLBs that are hitting the market that may take a little less to join the culture <em>(#ClubDub)</em> in Chicago. The Bears are in a legit championship window and are an attractive destination for free agents. </p>
<p id="YFDrsh"><em>That felt weird to type, but what a difference a year makes...</em></p>
<p id="d5WRmF">Grabbing an edge rusher in the draft is an option, but with Pace’s proclivity to pick best player available, it’s hard to guess how the draft will fall with their first pick not coming until the third round. Also, if Pace addresses the position in free agency, then I doubt he spends a draft pick there unless a high rated player falls to him. </p>
<p id="ZpRlex">What are your thoughts on the #3OLB?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/19/18229375/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-outside-linebacker-need-khalil-mack-aaron-lynch-leonard-floydLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-15T17:00:00-06:002019-02-15T17:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: You good with the inside linebacker depth?
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/U-Uz8Op8CGESpCVIu0OjxPUmWlE=/0x0:3612x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63061594/1071886512.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="OumQIC"><span><strong>Danny Trevathan</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> Let’s get this out of the way first. There’s no way the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> are going to cut a 29-year old that is still producing at a high level when the defense is in their “championship window.” <span>Trevathan</span> was a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> alternate, he was their defensive play caller, plus he’s a damn good football player. His cap hit isn’t astronomical at $7,65M in his final year, but don’t rule out a small contract extension if the Bears aren’t comfortable with an in-house option taking over in 2020. </p>
<p id="YPksIF"><span><strong>Roquan Smith</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 </strong><em><strong>(with a 5th year team option for 2022)</strong></em><strong> -</strong> Roquan was on a bunch of All-Rookie teams, he was also a Pro Bowl alternate, and he led the Bears in tackles with 121. He also doesn’t turn 22-years old until April. If his career goes like it looks like it’s going, he’ll be in the Pro Bowl in 2019 with an All Pro team soon to follow. He has the kind of speed that gets him around the ball an awful lot and good things happen when you’re around the ball. Just imagine what having a full offseason with the Bears will do for his preperation. </p>
<p id="j2zDII"><span><strong>Nick Kwiatkoski</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> Kwit is a good special teamer and a solid back up 2-down inside backer, but with the recent proven performance escalator kicking his salary up over $2 million for the 2019 season, the Bears may think about making a move. </p>
<p id="RZNN5D"><span><strong>Joel Iyiegbuniwe</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> Iggy has the athleticism to be a core special teamer moving forward, but he didn’t play much on defense as a rookie. He led the team with 6 solo stops in the third phase, and he led them with 318 snaps in the third phase too. At some point the Bears may want to see if he’s a viable option to take over for Trevathan some day. </p>
<p id="0dEU2U"><span><strong>Jameer Thurman</strong></span><strong> - Signed to a reserve/futures contract -</strong> Thurman played defensive back in college at Indiana State, but he played linebacker with the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders the last two seasons. The Bears list him at 6’, 194 pounds, which is on the small side, but he was productive with the Stampeders at linebacker. </p>
<p id="XPvlqp"><span><strong>Josh Woods</strong></span><strong> - Signed to a reserve/futures contract -</strong> Woods is another converted DB who was around on the practice squad last year. He’s another smaller ILB at 6’1”, 204, but we’re starting to see this trend around the league with how much teams pass these days. </p>
<p id="HCkriC"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK -</strong> On my latest <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/8/18216881/chicago-bears-top-needs-nfl-draft-prospects-jordan-hard-robbie-gould-ryan-pace-roquan-smith-trubisky">T Formation Podcast</a>, EJ Snyder talked about inside linebacker as a need for the Bears, mostly because of how the current depth chart is constructed. With <span>Trevathan</span> and <span>Kwiatkoski</span> both coming out of contract in a year there could be a hole there if the Bears aren’t confident in Iggy stepping in. </p>
<p id="YyqZqZ">The Bears usually carry four at the position, so if Kwit is traded or cut as a cap casualty they’ll need another player that can fill in this year. Thurman and <span>Woods</span> have the athleticism, but we’ll know about them more once we see them in camp. </p>
<p id="wyv94N">With limited draft picks, I doubt they address the position with anything more than an undrafted free agent or two. I have a feeling the Bears will roll with the same depth chart as last year, but we might see Iggy get some reps as the first ILB off the bench in 2019. </p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/15/18225252/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-you-good-with-the-inside-linebacker-depthLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-13T21:00:00-06:002019-02-13T21:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: The defensive line is solid 1 through 5
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<img alt="New England Patriots v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DGzYdX8o6qYHdGwACjx0lkUgetE=/0x0:2248x1499/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63050836/1052780218.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="DT6I8L"><span><strong>Akiem Hicks</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> <span>Hicks</span> is probably the best free agent signing by the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> since <span>Julius Peppers</span>, and general manager Ryan Pace got him originally on a 2-year, $10 million deal. Now he’s a Pro Bowler and and do-it-all anchor up front that has lined up all along their d-line. I’m interested to see how new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, with his more aggressive and zone blitz ways, will utilize <span>Hicks</span>. Could we see Hicks drop off the line into the flat zone on the rare occasion? </p>
<p id="eLRnPK">I’m so ready for a Keith Trayloresque interception return by big number 96.</p>
<p id="6rdqDT"><span><strong>Eddie Goldman</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2022 -</strong> <span>Goldman</span> is an underappreciated talent because he plays the most underappreciated position on the team, nose tackle. In a recent <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fzimmerman-5%2Fepisode-38-guests-trubisky-hicks-arob-burton&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2019%2F2%2F13%2F18223581%2Fchicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-depth-defensive-line-contract-akiem-hicks-bilal-nichols-bullard" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">podcast from my guy Bill Zimmerman</a>, he interviewed <span>Akiem Hicks</span> and Hicks lauded the outstanding play from <span>Goldman</span>. His numbers will never be sexy, but he’s doing the dirty work and his teammates all appreciate him. </p>
<p id="gboIPU"><span><strong>Bilal Nichols</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> I liked the tape I saw from <span>Nichols</span> during his time at Delaware, but I didn’t expect him to contribute this much as a rookie. He played the fourth most snaps on the d-line (328) and took over as the starting defensive end by the end of the year. With his combination of strength and quickness, he’s a candidate for break out Bears player of 2019. </p>
<aside id="5QNQkp"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Which Bears player will make the leap?","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/6/18213621/chicago-bears-player-will-make-the-leap-young-pro-bowl-all-starter-roquan-bilil-anthony-miller"}]}'></div></aside><p id="NRg0wp"><span><strong>Roy Robertson-Harris</strong></span><strong> - Exclusive rights free agent -</strong> <span>Robertson-Harris</span> really came into his own in just his second season as a full time defensive lineman, and I think he still has room to grow as a player. I expect the 25-year old to return to the Bears and build off his 2018. </p>
<p id="EaO7Mp">Did you realize that RRH tied for third on the team with 11 quarterback hits? </p>
<p id="3yZFbI"><span><strong>Jonathan Bullard</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 - </strong>There were high hopes when <span>Bullard</span> was drafted in 2016 that he’d turn into the steal of the draft, but he’s only made a handful of plays in his time as a Bear. In three years he’s appeared in 45 games, but he has only started 5 of them. His playing time went from 341 total snaps in 2016 to 500 in 2017, but the emergence of <span>Nichols</span> and RRH in 2018 cut into his time and his total snap count dropped to 364 last season. </p>
<p id="6wHofN"><span>Bullard</span> is a serviceable rotational defensive lineman, but those early expectations for him has soured a lot of fans on his play. As the fourth or fifth guy in the mix — who is capable of a spot start — I think he’ll will be around for at least the final year of his rookie contract. </p>
<p id="1vT5bC"><span><strong>Nick Williams</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> The Bears might bring <span>Williams</span> back as some veteran insurance depth, but he rarely played in 2018. I think the Bears would rather a youngster show up and take the 6th DL spot on the roster. </p>
<p id="jExEG4"><strong>Abdullah Anderson - Signed a reserve/futures deal -</strong> I thought Anderson flashed a bit last preseason, and it would not surprise me to see the 23-year old win a spot on the 53-man roster with a full year working on his craft. </p>
<p id="Icnn3K"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK - </strong>I would expect the Bears to add a UDFA or two, and maybe even another hungry veteran to compete, but I don’t see them spending a draft pick on the position. The Bears are solid one through five, but someone to push <span>Bullard</span> would be nice. </p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/13/18223581/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-depth-defensive-line-contract-akiem-hicks-bilal-nichols-bullardLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-11T17:00:00-06:002019-02-11T17:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: How big a need is cornerback?
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<img alt="Chicago Bears v Arizona Cardinals" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8dSaoXMzAM_9tmhtHRGN-vlx9FU=/0x0:2898x1932/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63036765/1047747954.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="xadwfy"><span><strong>Kyle Fuller</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> When the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> matched the offer sheet to retain <span>Fuller</span>, that made him one of the higher paid corners in the game, but the Bears believed he could take his game to another level. He had a good year in 2017, but the Bears saw the potential in him to get even better and they were rewarded with All-Pro play from <span>Fuller</span> last season. He led the league in interceptions (7) and in passes defended (21), plus he was his usual physical self with 55 tackles. </p>
<p id="dcNEpE"><span><strong>Prince Amukamara</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2020 - </strong>Prince will be making $9.5 million in 2019, which is a big cap number, but his play last year warrants it. If he has another good year I’d imagine the Bears would be content letting him play out his deal at $10 million in 2020, but if he falters at all there’s an out in his contract with only a million dollar cap hit. He could also be in line for a restructure before the 2020 season when he’ll be 31-years old. </p>
<p id="UuneBa"><span><strong>Bryce Callahan</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> <span>Callahan</span> was one of the best nicklebacks in the league last year, but for the fourth consecutive season with injuries prevented him from playing all 16 games. He’s steadily increased his games played all four years (9, 11, 12, 13), but the injury history is something the Bears will need to consider when offering him a contract. </p>
<p id="QR2avB">Spotrac predicts his market value to be around $7 million a year and that would make him one of the higher paid slot corners in the game. This is the high end I could see the Bears offering him. <a href="http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/25901330/predicting-2019-nfl-offseason-dominoes-free-agents-trades-cause-ripples">ESPN’s Bill Barnwell</a> believes there a scenario where the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a> go after <span>Callahan</span> with a 4-year deal worth $36 million because they need a slot corner to slow down the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>, and $9 million a year for a nickleback would probably be out of the Bears range. </p>
<p id="EBFgFX">I have a feeling that teams may not want to go too high on a contract with <span>Callahan</span>’s injury history, and that the Bears will get him back around that $7 million a year figure. </p>
<p id="87stsK"><span><strong>Sherrick McManis</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> <span>McManis</span> was more than just a special teamer last year with 236 snaps on defense. He played some dime and he was the back up at nickleback, while still getting in 252 snaps on special teams. His cap hit is almost $2 million in 2019, but I think he sticks around. </p>
<p id="AqC0Jd"><span><strong>Kevin Toliver II</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2020 - </strong>Toliver was the first outside corner off the bench for the Bears as a rookie last year and I thought he handled himself well. He played 135 snaps on defense and another 112 snaps on special teams. At 6’2” he has good length, but we’ll need to see how the new defensive coaching staff views him as a prospect. </p>
<p id="LGxtaI"><span><strong>John Franklin III</strong></span><strong> - Signed a reserve/futures deal -</strong> Great athlete, great speed (4.3 forty), good size (6’1”), but still trying to learn how to play corner. </p>
<p id="ysZMxh"><span><strong>Michael Joseph</strong></span><strong> - Signed a reserve/futures deal -</strong> The local product (Oswego High School) will try and earn another spot on the practice squad again. </p>
<p id="rv3gIu"><span><strong>Jonathon Mincy</strong></span><strong> - Signed a reserve/futures deal -</strong> I though <span>Mincy</span>’s versatility would get him on the field last year after coming over from the CFL, but he spent all his time on the practice squad. In camp last year he played corner and safety, so we’ll need to see how the new defensive regime views him future.</p>
<p id="4ikk99"><span><strong>Marcus Williams</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> The Bears added <span>Williams</span> when they lost <span>Callahan</span> last year, so he could be back on a vet minimum deal. </p>
<p id="U0CSTQ"><span><strong>Rashard Fant</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2020 -</strong> According to Spotrac and Over The Cap, <span>Fant</span> is signed with the Bears through 2020, but he’s not listed on their current roster. He was waived last year with an injury designation, went unclaimed, then technically reverted to Chicago’s IR list, but he’s not listed there either. I think technically his contract may still be valid with the Bears</p>
<p id="zNUqVl"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK -</strong> I think Callahan returns, but I still have corner as a need for the Bears in the 2019 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. His injury history coupled with Prince and <span>McManis</span> both being over 30 when the season starts makes me want to see another guy added. I’m also not sure if Toliver is a viable long term answer, so getting another guy in to compete is a must. You can never have enough corners. In my latest <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/8/18216881/chicago-bears-top-needs-nfl-draft-prospects-jordan-hard-robbie-gould-ryan-pace-roquan-smith-trubisky">T Formation Conversation podcast</a>, I asked EJ Snyder to give me a couple corners the Bears could target late in the draft. </p>
<p id="gcspEz">I don’t expect them to go the free agent route to add at the position unless it’s to add a high ceiling (low cost) youngster to the mix. If Callahan leaves my guess is they fill the role in house. </p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/11/18217046/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-how-big-a-need-is-cornerback-bryce-callahan-amukamara-kyle-fullerLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-07T12:00:00-06:002019-02-07T12:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: Don’t expect safety Adrian Amos to return
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JM2-CVw_vAn7RBwIv3EfbCnf0xA=/332x0:4199x2578/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63017235/usa_today_11696165.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="9C8uDW"><span><strong>Adrian Amos</strong></span><strong> Jr. - Free agent - </strong>Let me get this out of the way immediately, I like <span>Adrian Amos</span> and I think he’s a good football player. But I don’t think he’s going to return to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>. They tried to get a contract extension done with him a year ago, and that never materialized. My guess is Amos or his people — with him coming off the “elite” Pro Football Focus stuff — wanted elite safety money, and the Bears held firm in their offer. </p>
<p id="lsxfYn">Amos is sound player, he rarely makes mistakes, he’s a big hitter, and he’s a hard worker, but that doesn’t make him deserving of an average salary around $8-$10 million a year, which is the ballpark that “elite” safeties reside in.</p>
<p id="oCPIwR">My guess is the Bears let Amos test the market, and if he can’t find a salary to his liking, they’ll have something on the table for him if he comes back quick enough. But don’t rule out him wanting to go home to Baltimore if the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> offer him something close to what the Bears are. Also, don’t rule out the Bears moving on to a better player in free agency if Amos drags his feet. </p>
<p id="lAXY3U"><span><strong>Eddie Jackson</strong></span><strong> - Signed trough 2020 -</strong> <span>Jackson</span> took the leap in play that many thought he would after his stellar rookie season and he made his first All-Pro team. His instincts, athleticism, and intelligence make him a tough player to scheme around. I’m looking forward to seeing his continued ascension through the record books. His 5 defensive touchdowns (in just 2 years) is already ranked fourth all-time behind <span>Charles Tillman</span> (9), <span>Mike Brown</span> (7), and <span>Lance Briggs</span> (6).</p>
<aside id="I6wOkb"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Which Bears player will make the leap?","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/6/18213621/chicago-bears-player-will-make-the-leap-young-pro-bowl-all-starter-roquan-bilil-anthony-miller"}]}'></div></aside><p id="XP6zdV"><span><strong>Deon Bush</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> Vic Fangio was a fan of <span>Bush</span>’s, but with Fangio gone I wonder if the Bears will be willing to slot <span>Bush</span> in next to <span>Jackson</span> if Amos leaves. I think <span>Bush</span> is fine as a backup, but I hope the Bears can do better as a starter in 2019. </p>
<p id="hYMwMn"><span><strong>DeAndre Houston-Carson</strong></span><strong> - Restricted free agent -</strong> DHC earns his money as a special teamer, but last year he played a career high 46 snaps on defense. He tied for the Bears lead in special teams tackles with 6 last year, plus he had a forced fumble. In 2017 he had 10 solo tackles and 2 forced fumbles in the third phase. I think he returns for another year.</p>
<p id="7lJbRj"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK -</strong> I’m a little surprised that the Bears don’t have any safeties in on reserve/futures deals, although <span>Jonathon Mincy</span> did get some safety reps last offseason. I’d imagine they’ll add a couple before OTAs get going. Drafting a safety seems likely as well. </p>
<p id="dKndm3"><em>Keep your eyes and ears peeled for my next T Formation Conversation Podcast (dropping tonight or tomorrow) where I’ll be joined by our lead draft analyst, EJ Snyder, to talk about some draft options for the Bears. </em></p>
<p id="V9v2EF">If Amos does leave in free agency, a guy like <span>Tyrann Mathieu</span> would be an intriguing target and at least one Bear has already started the recruiting process. </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BearDown?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BearDown</a> ya cleat game a be official ever game family</p>— Taylor Gabriel (@TGdadon1) <a href="https://twitter.com/TGdadon1/status/1092869547722526720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2019</a>
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<p id="0AIViC"><span>Mathieu</span> (5’9”, 185) isn’t a true strong safety, but in this day and age of the NFL, having two safeties that can cover and take the ball away is a good thing. He’s also a guy that can come down and match-up against slot receivers giving a defensive coordinator options. He’s on record saying he’d like to return to the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, but he’s also on record in saying that wining a championship is more important than money. </p>
<p id="DwL8BH">The safety market will have some good players looking for contracts, so we’ll have to see how it all shakes out next month when free agency begins. </p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/7/18215288/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-dont-expect-adrian-amos-return-free-agency-agent-nfl-draft-safetyLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-06T19:00:00-06:002019-02-06T19:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: Time for a change on special teams
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<img alt="NFL: Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_TRxYxp7D5NyuUZqS2brGuLr-Co=/277x0:3500x2149/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63010712/usa_today_11647901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="wk2Xac"><span><strong>Cody Parkey</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> Before he made it a ‘me thing and not a we thing,’ I think there was a chance the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> would have brought <span>Parkey</span> back, but now I don’t see that happening. Think about this, If all his doinks were kicked just an inch differently, he’d have likely made them all. His teammates had his back after the wild card game, but you know there was a lot of frustration in that locker room and that frustration had to grow with him going on the <em>Today Show</em>. </p>
<p id="LsrEWh">According to <a href="https://overthecap.com/salary-cap/chicago-bears/">Over the Cap</a>, if the Bears cut <span>Parkey</span> before June 1, there will be $5,187,500 in dead cap money, but if they wait til after June 1, the dead money goes down to $4,062,500. It’s a significant hit either way, and it could limit the options they have in finding a replacement. </p>
<p id="ZFaKdb"><span><strong>Patrick O’Donnell</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> After trying to find a different punter last offseason, the Bears ended up giving O’Donnell a one-year deal for $1.5 million. His average salary in 2018 placed him 17th among punters.</p>
<p id="oaxtXz">He tied for 17th with a 39.7 net punting average, his 28 punts inside the 20 tied for 10th, his 20 punts fair caught was 14th, and 25 other punters had more yards returned against them than O’Donnell’s 150. So, he didn’t have a bad year, but I don’t think they’ll bring him back in 2019. </p>
<p id="snVDfX"><span><strong>Patrick Scales</strong></span><strong> - Restricted free agent -</strong> I’d imagine <span>Scales</span> returns since he’d be back on a RFA deal, but I’d kind of like to see some competition added too. Long snapper is such an afterthought for most fans, but he’s an important piece on every team. </p>
<p id="qNKG5G"><span><strong>Redford Jones</strong></span><strong> - Signed to a reserve/futures contract -</strong> <span>Jones</span> is just the first step in finding a new kicker. A lot of fans are immediately down on <span>Jones</span> due to his field goal percentage at Tulsa being only 75%, but college field goal percentage isn’t always the best way to determine professional success. Did you realize that <span>Robbie Gould</span> only made 64% of his field goals at Penn State, or that <span>Stephen Gostkowski</span> was at 76% at Memphis, </p>
<p id="8DfcO1">Jones spent all of 2018 out of football and presumably working on his craft, plus he beat out all the other try out kickers the Bears <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/1/25/18197275/chicago-bears-scheduled-work-out-kicker-nick-folk-cody-parkey-ryan-pace-lsu-cole-tracy-blair-walsh">brought in on January 25</a>. He might be the next good young kicker to catch in with an NFL team.</p>
<p id="XkDrOF"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK -</strong> I’d expect the Bears to bring in at least one other young free agent kicker to compete, or go all in and sign another veteran. The vet most Bears’ fans are hoping for is the aforementioned <span>Gould</span>, but I think the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> are going to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2017/2/14/14584232/how-does-the-nfl-franchise-tag-work-players-paid">franchise tag</a> him. <span>Gould</span> has been making it perfectly clear he’d love to return to Chicago, but it’s not entirely his call. </p>
<p id="jXGew3"><span>Matt Bryant</span> was just cut by the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>, and even at 43-years old he’s bound to get a job in 2019. Gostkowski is also going to be a free agent, as will <span>Sebastian Janikowski</span> and <span>Josh Lambo</span> too, but I don’t think the Bears are going to tie big money up at the position with the dead space they are about to incur by cutting <span>Parkey</span>. </p>
<p id="HLWHUu">If the Bears go the young route, they’ll either draft a kicker <em>(</em><a href="https://goevive.com/careers/"><em>like Jacob mocked to them in his first mock</em></a><em>)</em> or sign an undrafted free agent. Jacob had the Bears taking <span>Matt Gay</span> from Utah in the 7th, but another possibility would be LSU’s Cole Tracy. In the last five years only eight kickers have been drafted, and of those eight, only 2 are with the team that drafted them and four are out of the league. Teams seem to have more success with undrafted free agents or with guys that have bounced around a bit in their youth before figuring it out. </p>
<p id="h0IZ69">If the Bears don’t get Gould, I hope they give the job to the best young kicker in camp and let him grow into the job. </p>
<p id="aURek3">As for punters, only 9 have been drafted in the last five years, but 7 of those guys are still with the teams that drafted them and all 9 are still punting. If the Bears draft a punter, the best two are probably Jack Bailey of Stanford or <span>Mitch Wishnowsky</span> of Utah. I’d be fine with a parade of young veterans and UDFAs at the punter spot too. </p>
<p id="xHMMHQ">It’s not ideal to head into a season with uncertainty at the specialist positions, especially when the team has such high aspirations, but this is likely where the Bears are going to be. </p>
<p id="HzZRiK"><em>What do you guys think they’ll do?</em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/6/18214057/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-special-teams-cody-parkey-odonnell-patrick-scales-dead-salary-capLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-05T17:00:00-06:002019-02-05T17:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: There’ll be no changes at tackle
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yTsfIBFXUza80FdeIYn08AQacg0=/0x0:2734x1823/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63003101/usa_today_11819984.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="re76aT"><span><strong>Bobby Massie</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2023 -</strong> I think it’s telling that the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> locked up <span>Massie</span> over their other two free agents, <span>Bryce Callahan</span> and Adrian Amos. While I think the Bears would like them all back, <span>Massie</span> was their top priority. A lot of fans are still down on <span>Massie</span>, but I don’t get it. He’s not an elite talent, but he’s a hard worker that has become a good offensive lineman. During his three years in Chicago he has steadily improved, but I think the two biggest things that helped him in 2018 was the new offensive scheme and new offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. </p>
<p id="b7uQJh">Massie is <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/4/18211025/chicago-bears-bobby-massie-contract-numbers-deal-5-five-years-40-million-ryan-pace-offensive-line">getting a raise with his new deal</a>, but he is playing better now than when the Bears signed him so that’s understandable. His new contract is also very team friendly in that there are outs after the first two years, and the 2019 cap hit is reported to be less than $4 million. </p>
<p id="1ptWg9"><span><strong>Charles Leno Jr.</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> Leno made the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in 2018 and I’m interested to see what that does to his offseason. Getting the chance to rub elbows with the top players in the league could be that extra motivation he needs to get himself in the best shape of his life. </p>
<p id="47Y4Cs">I think it’ll be huge for the 2019 season that the Bears are returning all five starters on the offensive line. </p>
<p id="N5TpRJ"><span><strong>Rashaad Coward</strong></span><strong> - Exclusive rights free agent -</strong> <span>Coward</span> will be back to build off his first year as an offensive lineman. I thought he looked comfortable at right tackle in camp and he played good in preseason against other backups. I wonder if the Bears start to groom the 24-year old <span>Coward</span> to be their swing tackle. From an athletic standpoint, I think he has what it takes to be a starter in the NFL, but his technique and familiarity with the o-line just need to improve.</p>
<p id="0TS204"><span><strong>Bradley Sowell</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2019 -</strong> I’ll admit, I wasn’t much of a fan of <span>Sowell</span>’s after his play in 2017, but I understood why the Bears resigned him. He can play four positions on the o-line, and this year we saw him play as a 6th lineman (TE) and at fullback. Plus he caught the touchdown pass on Santa’s Sleigh.</p>
<p id="NQ0fin"><span><strong>Cornelius Lucas</strong></span><strong> - Signed a reserve/futures deal -</strong> The 6’9” Lucas has been bouncing around the NFL since 2015, and he’ll look to revitalize his career working with Bears’ o-line coach Hiestand. </p>
<p id="KHQhxS"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK -</strong> The Bears are obviously comfortable with their starters, and with <span>Sowell</span> and Cowrad as backups, they seem content there too. They may look for a tackle for their practice squad, but I don’t seem them spending a draft pick on the position. </p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/5/18212219/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-tackle-needed-coward-bradley-sowell-charles-leno-bobby-massieLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2019-02-04T17:00:00-06:002019-02-04T17:00:00-06:00Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: Guard depth is needed
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<img alt="New York Jets v Chicago Bears" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BUX1RUNOrMnJPp5gK9TaSaHLlhQ=/692x0:3749x2038/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62993458/1054687640.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.</p> <p id="h67vPq"><span><strong>James Daniels</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> <span>Daniels</span> was eased into the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> starting line up, but once inserted at left guard his talent shined. He was an active run blocker and I didn’t have him giving up a sack at all in my <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/1/2/18163335/chicago-bears-sackwatch-2018-week-17-minnesota-vikings-mitch-trubisky-pass-protection-sacks-allowed">Sackwatch</a> this season. He played in all 16 games with 10 starts and I think he’ll be pushing for a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> spot next year. He had a very good season as evidenced with his inclusion on some All-Rookie teams. With a full offseason in the Bears strength and conditioning program I’m excited to see what the 21-year old <span>Daniels</span> will look like in 2019. </p>
<p id="4rksi5">While I think the Bears have been very clear with their intentions on keeping Daniels at guard, all it will take is one report of a bad snap by <span>Cody Whitehair</span> in OTAs to get fans all riled up again. The Bears wanted the athletic Daniels to play guard because they like to move their guards around on screens and in the power game, but now that he’s acclimated to the pro game I wonder if the coaches will revisit moving Daniels to his college position. </p>
<p id="FEJWR1">For the record, my stance on changing positions is the same as always, do it as soon as possible to give the player plenty of time to get used to his new job. </p>
<p id="I5WsDP"><span><strong>Kyle Long</strong></span><strong> - Signed through 2021 -</strong> I, as well as several WCG writers, gave our thoughts on <span>Long</span> in this <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/1/21/18192210/chicago-bears-wcg-roundtable-should-kyle-long-stay-or-go-offensive-line-salary-cap-dead-restructure">recent roundtable</a>, but here’s the short version of my take. <span>Long</span> stays to man his familiar spot at right guard, and if a restructure is in the works, fine, but I don’t think it’s necessary. This is the first offseason <span>Long</span> will be able to train without rehabbing an injury since 2016 and that will do wonders for his preparation. He’s missed 22 games the last three seasons with various injuries, but the three years before that he only missed one. If Long can shake the bad injury luck, then I think even at 30-years old he can return to Pro Bowl form. </p>
<p id="rosDNf"><span><strong>Bryan Witzmann</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> I thought <span>Witzmann</span> played decent for a guy that was signed in October, and at 28-years old he may have earned another contract. His worst game was probably the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">Giants</a> loss, but he followed that up by helping Chicago’s interior shut down the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a>’ <span>Aaron Donald</span> and Ndamukong Suh. He can play both guard spots, but I’d much rather he not be forced into much starting time if he returns to Chicago. </p>
<p id="kATceP"><span><strong>Eric Kush</strong></span><strong> - Free agent -</strong> I gave my thoughts on <span>Kush</span> over in my <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/1/18206779/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-cody-whitehair-center-of-the-future-james-daniels-eric-kush-draft">look at the center position</a>. </p>
<p id="P1h6D8"><span><strong>Willie Beavers</strong></span><strong> - Signed to a reserve/futures deal -</strong> The Bears are <span>Beavers</span>’ fourth team since being a 4th-round pick in the 2016 draft, but this will be the first time he gets to work with Chicago o-line coach Harry Hiestand. I still think he’s a long shot, but Heistand is one of the bets in the business, so you never know.</p>
<p id="LBHwiE"><strong>2019 OUTLOOK - </strong>I think finding a guy that can backup on the interior in the draft would be wise. Veterans like <span>Kush</span> and Witzmann are nice to have around, but having a young guy you can develop in your system is a must. I mentioned Iowa’s <span>Keegan Render</span> (C/G) in my look at center last week, but Jacob mentioned LSU’s Garrett Brumfield as a developmental guard prospect in his latest <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/4/18188924/2019-nfl-mock-draft-chicago-bears-predicting-the-bears-selections-after-the-super-bowl-amani-hooker">mock draft</a>. </p>
<p id="gOkjmO">The Bears did move <span>Rashaad Coward</span> to the offensive line last offseason and while he started out at guard, he spent most of training camp at right tackle. But I suppose with the Bears’ recent financial commitment to right tackle <span>Bobby Massie</span>, <span>Coward</span> could get some guard reps in OTAs. </p>
<p id="kFh481">I think the Bears could bring back both veteran free agents depending on money, but at the very least one will return. </p>
<p id="HDJt6Z"></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/4/18210458/chicago-bears-2019-roster-turnover-guard-depth-is-needed-james-daniels-witzmann-kyle-long-whitehairLester A. Wiltfong Jr.