Chicago Bears 2016 NFL Free Agency Preview

Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) makes a catch during the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 31-23. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The draft may be where teams need to build their roster cores, but it’s almost impossible to succeed these days without dips into NFL free agency. That’s especially true of teams that are trying to rebuild once great rosters. Teams like the Chicago Bears.

After enjoying a long run of success from 2005 to 2012, age and mismanagement has turn this roster into one big dumpster fire. Aside from a few standouts there is virtually no talent of note worth keeping beyond this season. At least not based on current impressions.

There is still work for GM Ryan Pace to do and he’ll have deep pockets at his disposal when the market opens next March. Here is the current outlook both for the Bears’ own and who they could possibly get to help.

Expiring Contracts

Jimmy Clausen (QB)

Head coach John Fox drafted him, and the team seems to like him. If he returns in 2016 it will be as a backup and nothing more.

David Fales (QB)

The former 6th round pick looked good despite missing most of the preseason. Bears seem to want him around since they re-signed him to practice squad. Could be brought back on one-year deal to give him a shot at backup job.

Jacquizz Rodgers (RB)

Coaching staff really likes him and he’s shown plenty of ability in the limited chances he’s gotten thus far. Could form a nice 1-2 punch with Jeremy Langford.

Matt Forte (RB)

Steady and dependable for so long, this great running back nonetheless turns 30-years old before next year. Given their newfound depth, brass may decide to take the money and run.

Alshon Jeffery (WR)

Injuries have really hurt what was a great training camp for him and there’s no doubt he’s still the best receiver they have. Hard to imagine them not re-signing him to pair with Kevin White.

Josh Bellamy (WR)

Finally made his first NFL catch, and it was a long touchdown no less. Respected in the locker room. Might be worth keeping around for depth purposes.

Marc Mariani (WR)

Resurrected his career as a return man after a long time out of the league. As yet the team has nobody better, but they will certainly be looking.

Zach Miller (TE)

Reserve tight end who brings some versatility as an H-back. Hasn’t had much of an impact thus far. Needs to make more plays and stay healthy if he wants to stay.

Vladimir Ducasse (OG)

Filling in at right guard as Kyle Long made the move to tackle. Has some pass blocking skill, but still very undisciplined despite his experience. Team will look to replace him.

Patrick Omameh (OG)

Hasn’t played a down for the team yet. Claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay. May get a crack at guard soon but otherwise purely a reserve.

Will Montgomery (C)

Signed for a his veteran experience in the Bears’ offensive scheme, but isn’t a world beater. Team may choose to go with 3rd round pick Hroniss Grasu next year.

Jeremiah Ratliff (DT)

Probably their best defensive linemen but he will turn 35-years old next year. It will come down to how he plays and how much money he wants.

Jarvis Jenkins (DE)

Veteran defensive end who fits well with the new 3-4 scheme but has never looked like much more than a quality rotational player. Could be re-signed on the cheap.

Lavar Edwards (DE)

Mid-season signing meant to help the limited depth on the defensive line. Never much beyond a decent reserve who might have two or three good plays a year.

Brandon Dunn (DE)

Quality run defender with plenty of size. Lack of length though makes him limited as a pass rusher and unusual fit for the scheme. If he stays, it will be as a reserve.

Shea McClellin (ILB)

Former 1st round pick has had plenty of chances to find a home on defense but continues to look outmatched at times on the field. Just not a playmaker. Likely gone.

Sam Acho (OLB)

Another good scheme fit in a 3-4 and had an outstanding preseason. Illness derailed his start to the regular season, so he’s playing catch-up. Could be a solid rotational man moving forward.

Alan Ball (CB)

Not bad as a run defender but in spite of his solid dimensions, he is utterly lost at times in coverage. Wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t back.

Sherrick McManis (CB)

Always a dependable special teams ace and finally getting his shot at corner. Underwhelming thus far. If brought back, expect it to be for the former reason.

Terrance Mitchell (CB)

Determined young corner who showed he can make big plays in preseason. Got some chances early this year and flashed some skill. Wouldn’t be surprised if he stuck around.

Tracy Porter (CB)

His experience and playmaking history were why the Bears have hung onto him this long, but the constant injury problems make it difficult to see him back.

Ryan Mundy (S)

An injury ended his season and with his exit rookie Adrian Amos has take advantage. Given his age, lack of speed and limited special teams upside he’s likely gone.

Thomas Gafford (LS)

No signs to indicate he was a bad signing thus far. Depending on how he finishes, should be brought back for stability.

Top Need Positions and Possible Free Agents

Quarterback

Brock Osweiler
Kirk Cousins
Case Keenum
Sam Bradford
Chase Daniel

Offensive Tackle

Cordy Glenn
Russell Okung
Mitchell Schwartz
Donald Stephenson
Ryan Schraeder

Defensive End

Muhammad Wilkerson
Malik Jackson
Mike Devito
B.J. Raji
Derek Wolfe

Linebacker

Von Miller (OLB)
Junior Gallette (OLB)
Aldon Smith (OLB)
Danny Trevathan (ILB)
Steven Johnson (ILB)

Cornerback

Jerraud Powers
Casey Hayward
Sean Smith
Prince Amukamara
Trumaine Johnson

Free agency is not going to pull the Chicago Bears out of their roster woes. Not by itself. Still, it’s clear that with the upwards of $50 million in salary cap space they’ll have available next off-season, they’ll be able to add three or four quality players if they so wish in order to shore up weak areas so they can narrow their focus for the draft.

If the Bears plays their cards right, they could be a very different team come next September.

Next: Chicago Bears: Top 5 Needs For The 2016 NFL Draft

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