Ryan Pace's best and worst free-agent decisions as Bears GM
Jan 8, 2017 13:18:02 GMT -6
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Post by motm on Jan 8, 2017 13:18:02 GMT -6
Ryan Pace has been the Chicago Bears general manager for exactly two years. He’s been responsible for a roster that has won only nine games in two seasons and a coaching staff that has regressed from a six-win season in 2015 to only three wins this year.
Pace can’t take all the blame for the win-loss record. As Reggie McKenzie has proven with the Oakland Raiders, a true rebuilding project takes patience and confidence in your general manager’s plan. The Bears appear willing to follow that model.
Here’s a look at some of Pace’s more memorable — and forgettable — moves in free agency over the last two years. It’s not an all-encompassing list, as Pace has made quite a few small-scale moves that have impacted the team beyond those that appear below.
Good: OLB Pernell McPhee signed to five-year deal
In Pace’s first and biggest free-agent move to date, the signing of McPhee showed a lot about his approach as a talent evaluator. After playing a rotational role on the Ravens’ loaded defense, McPhee was a physical and intimidating pass rusher who was ready to break out as a star. Pace bet on his upside as a full-time starter, and aside from some nagging injuries, the decision has paid off.
Bad: Ray McDonald, and all of his off-the-field baggage, signed to a one-year deal
The first real blunder by Pace was the signing of the former 49ers defensive lineman. He never made it to training camp with the Bears, as the team was forced to cut him after McDonald was arrested on more domestic violence charges in May, 2015. Pace came under criticism by the national media for deciding to sign McDonald in the first place, raising questions about his ability to assess a player’s background properly.
Good: OG Josh Sitton signed to three-year deal
Pace proved to have a quick trigger finger when he acted swiftly in the 2016 preseason to sign Sitton after the Packers unexpectedly cut ties with the All-Pro. His addition immediately upgraded the offensive line and provided the Bears with, arguably, the best duo at guard in the entire league. Sitton proved his value in his first year with the Bears, finishing the season as the best and most reliable lineman on the team.
Bad: Injury-prone WR Eddie Royal gets three-year contract
When Pace signed Royal to a three-year, $15 million deal in 2015, it appeared like a heavy price to pay an oft-injured pass-catcher who, aside from his rookie season in Denver, had never eclipsed 900-yards in a single season. He also never played more than 12 games in any one year aside from that rookie season. It was a risky move, and it proved to be unwise. Royal has played only 18 games over the last two years and is likely headed to the unemployment line.
Good: Bears extend OLB Willie Young through 2018
Bears fans grew to appreciate the play of Willie Young, who joined the club as a free agent from the Detroit Lions in 2014. He registered 10 sacks in his first season in Chicago but suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury at the end of the year. After the Bears hired John Fox and implemented the 3-4 defense under Vic Fangio, Young was forced to transition to outside linebacker while still recovering from his injury, casting doubt on his future with the team. He responded in a big way in the second half of the 2015 season, and Pace did the right thing by extending him through 2018. Young finished 2016 with another productive year — 7.5 sacks — and will be a big part of the defense in 2017.
Bad: Bears trade Martellus Bennett to the Patriots for a day three draft pick
This one was a trade, not a free-agent move, but it was done during last year’s free agency period. One can also debate whether it was truly a bad move because of the impact Bennett was having in the locker room as an unhappy camper. Pace established his role as the alpha male in the franchise by moving Bennett a year after trading wide receiver Brandon Marshall, but it may have been one move too many. Bennett is one of the NFL’s premier tight ends and has continued his high level of play with the Patriots this season with over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bears certainly could have used him this year, and with Zach Miller once again ending an NFL season on injured reserve, tight end appears to be another big question mark heading into 2017.
Link: bearswire.usatoday.com/2017/01/08/a-look-at-some-of-ryan-paces-best-and-worst-free-agent-decisions-as-bears-gm-so-far/
Pace can’t take all the blame for the win-loss record. As Reggie McKenzie has proven with the Oakland Raiders, a true rebuilding project takes patience and confidence in your general manager’s plan. The Bears appear willing to follow that model.
Here’s a look at some of Pace’s more memorable — and forgettable — moves in free agency over the last two years. It’s not an all-encompassing list, as Pace has made quite a few small-scale moves that have impacted the team beyond those that appear below.
Good: OLB Pernell McPhee signed to five-year deal
In Pace’s first and biggest free-agent move to date, the signing of McPhee showed a lot about his approach as a talent evaluator. After playing a rotational role on the Ravens’ loaded defense, McPhee was a physical and intimidating pass rusher who was ready to break out as a star. Pace bet on his upside as a full-time starter, and aside from some nagging injuries, the decision has paid off.
Bad: Ray McDonald, and all of his off-the-field baggage, signed to a one-year deal
The first real blunder by Pace was the signing of the former 49ers defensive lineman. He never made it to training camp with the Bears, as the team was forced to cut him after McDonald was arrested on more domestic violence charges in May, 2015. Pace came under criticism by the national media for deciding to sign McDonald in the first place, raising questions about his ability to assess a player’s background properly.
Good: OG Josh Sitton signed to three-year deal
Pace proved to have a quick trigger finger when he acted swiftly in the 2016 preseason to sign Sitton after the Packers unexpectedly cut ties with the All-Pro. His addition immediately upgraded the offensive line and provided the Bears with, arguably, the best duo at guard in the entire league. Sitton proved his value in his first year with the Bears, finishing the season as the best and most reliable lineman on the team.
Bad: Injury-prone WR Eddie Royal gets three-year contract
When Pace signed Royal to a three-year, $15 million deal in 2015, it appeared like a heavy price to pay an oft-injured pass-catcher who, aside from his rookie season in Denver, had never eclipsed 900-yards in a single season. He also never played more than 12 games in any one year aside from that rookie season. It was a risky move, and it proved to be unwise. Royal has played only 18 games over the last two years and is likely headed to the unemployment line.
Good: Bears extend OLB Willie Young through 2018
Bears fans grew to appreciate the play of Willie Young, who joined the club as a free agent from the Detroit Lions in 2014. He registered 10 sacks in his first season in Chicago but suffered an unfortunate Achilles injury at the end of the year. After the Bears hired John Fox and implemented the 3-4 defense under Vic Fangio, Young was forced to transition to outside linebacker while still recovering from his injury, casting doubt on his future with the team. He responded in a big way in the second half of the 2015 season, and Pace did the right thing by extending him through 2018. Young finished 2016 with another productive year — 7.5 sacks — and will be a big part of the defense in 2017.
Bad: Bears trade Martellus Bennett to the Patriots for a day three draft pick
This one was a trade, not a free-agent move, but it was done during last year’s free agency period. One can also debate whether it was truly a bad move because of the impact Bennett was having in the locker room as an unhappy camper. Pace established his role as the alpha male in the franchise by moving Bennett a year after trading wide receiver Brandon Marshall, but it may have been one move too many. Bennett is one of the NFL’s premier tight ends and has continued his high level of play with the Patriots this season with over 700 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bears certainly could have used him this year, and with Zach Miller once again ending an NFL season on injured reserve, tight end appears to be another big question mark heading into 2017.
Link: bearswire.usatoday.com/2017/01/08/a-look-at-some-of-ryan-paces-best-and-worst-free-agent-decisions-as-bears-gm-so-far/
