9 buy-low options still available for Bears
Mar 18, 2019 4:55:12 GMT -6
riczaj01 and bears40 like this
Post by AlexM on Mar 18, 2019 4:55:12 GMT -6
bearswire.usatoday.com
by Lorin Cox
RB Spencer Ware, KC Chiefs. Spencer Ware played under Matt Nagy for two seasons and proved himself as a capable runner, receiver and blocker. He's had injury issues and fell out of favor in Kansas City, but he could be a great addition to round-out the Bears backfield, especially if they plan on trading Jordan Howard.
TE Jermaine Gresham, Arizona Cardinals. Bears tried to sign Jermaine Gresham back in 2016, and he should come much cheaper this time around. He was a massive disappointment for the Cardinals this season, but in Chicago, he could be a better fit in a complementary role with Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen. He wouldn't count in the compensatory pick calculation.
OLB Nick Perry, Green Bay Packers. Packers released Nick Perry after another injury-riddled season led to a career-low in production. His value has never been lower, and he could be a great low-risk, high-reward addition to the Bears outside linebacker rotation. He also wouldn't count toward the compensatory pick calculation.
OLB Shane Ray, Denver Broncos. A first-round pick back in 2015, Shane Ray never lived up to his draft status as he failed to develop as a pass rusher. Still only 25 years old, he may still have some untapped potential and could benefit from playing in a Bears defense where he wouldn't receive too much attention.
DT Al Woods, Indy Colts. Al Woods was Chuck Pagano's starting nose tackle in 2017, but the veteran quickly dropped down in the rotation in Indianapolis last year. He's about to turn 32 years old and could be a perfect veteran backup to add to the Bears defensive line.
CB DeShawn Shead, Detroit Lions. You don't want to have to rely on DeShawn Shead as a starter, but he would provide versatile depth that can play both the slot and outside cornerback positions. He's also a pretty consistent special teams player, and he's well worth a potential veteran-minimum contract.
S Clayton Geathers, Indy Colts. Bears already have their replacement for Adrian Amos, but Clayton Geathers would be a wise addition to the bench. He played under Chuck Pagano for three seasons and could fill in the starting lineup in a pinch if either starter went down.
K Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons. At almost 44 years old, Matt Bryant likely won't be able to get more than a one-year deal this offseason, but he's still one of the NFL's more consistent kickers. His 95.2 percent accuracy last season was third-best in the NFL, and he would provide a sure-fire. short-term solution to the position for the Bears.
P Pat O'Donnell, Chicago Bears. Bears need a punter under contract for 2019, and they would be best off just re-signing their own to another one-year deal. Pat O'Donnell had a bounce-back season in 2018 and is the best available option on the market. They can bring in competition for him, but he deserves to be back for another year.
Like almost all of these options, we especially need quality depth at OLB. Really don't think it would be wise, at this point, to offer anything but 1-y deals, so we keep some flexibility next season.
