Finding Ryan Pace-Type 2016 Free Agents For Chicago Bears
By Erik Lambert
Oct 19, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Vinny Curry (75) in a game against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
One off-season is not enough to get a true sense of who Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace really is, but it does offer some insight into what can be expected in 2016. Many thing because the team could have upwards of $60 million in salary cap space that the 38-year old will automatically go on a spending spree. However, all actions thus far have contradicted such a theory.
Here is what we know about how Pace operates:
- Leadership – He puts a great deal of value on players who understand what it means to lead, both by words and action. Veteran safety Antrel Rolle exemplifies that.
- Attitude – A number of players Pace has signed exhibit what is often called a “dog” mentality. That is they play with attitude, physicality and aggressiveness like top signee Pernell McPhee.
- Age – Aside from one or two exceptions, nearly every free agent the Bears signed in 2015 were well under the age of 30.
- Patience – Pace has the understanding that free agency comes in waves. Typically the big money goes in the first wave but quite often some hidden gems can slip through to the second wave, and be had at a cheaper rate. Even if that means playing hardball on contract negotiations.
Long story short, expect the Bears to target younger free agents who aren’t as highly advertised but might be in line for the strongest stretch of their careers. Here are a few names that fit the description for 2016.
Brandon Brooks (OG, Houston Texans)
A lot of things haven’t gone right for the Houston Texans, especially on offense. One of their bright spots has been guard Brandon Brooks. He rates as their best interior pass blocker, allowing just two sacks all season and committing just three penalties. At age 26 he is just entering his prime and shouldn’t cost too much given the position he plays.
Kelvin Beachem (OT, Pittsburgh Steelers)
Maybe Charles Leno Jr. can be the guy moving forward at left tackle, but that remains to be seen. Rarely, if even do 7th round picks hold down such a key position. Then again people should tell that to Kelvin Beachem, who has been doing just that for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to tearing his ACL against Arizona, the 26-year old was playing some of his best football. He’s a risk, but that also means his price should stay down.
Vinny Curry (DE, Philadelphia Eagles)
His name became somewhat of an underground hot topic near the trade deadline but in the end the Philadelphia Eagles weren’t able or chose not to deal defensive end Vinny Curry. He may not be as celebrated as emerging star and teammate Fletcher Cox but in a limited role he has become a valuable weapon. He holds the fourth-most quarterback pressures on the team, including a sack and this despite playing just 163 snaps. That kind of bang-for-buck impact will remind many of Pernell McPhee before he left Baltimore.
Danny Trevathan (ILB, Denver Broncos)
A good 3-4 inside linebacker is primarily a force against the run and a key part of the blitz package. They must be smart, sound tacklers and at least athletic enough to be a factor in coverage. It’s not so much about flash but about doing the dirty work. Danny Trevathan knows all about that. While other Denver Broncos teammates bask in the spotlight, he’s quietly gone about his business as run defender and their best coverage linebacker.
His familiarity with head coach John Fox certainly adds to the allure.
Morris Claiborne (CB, Dallas Cowboys)
Remember this guy? The former 6th overall pick has been largely a disappointment for the Dallas Cowboys, suffering through struggles on the field as well as injuries. It’s what prompted the team to draft a corner in the 1st round this past April. Here’s the thing though, he is still the starter and has actually played better than people realize.
Quarterbacks have thrown at Claiborne 43 times this season. Only 28 of them were completed. Though he’s given up the most yards on the team at 360, he’s allowed just one touchdown. Based on the number of snaps played, he’s forced the lowest cumulative quarterback rating when targeted on his team at 99.0. This could be a sign he’s finally started to turn the corner, no pun intended.