Value signing
Pace seems more interested in bargain shopping. That makes it sound like he’s cheap, and maybe he is but there is a method to the madness. It’s almost always a given that certain good players will slip through the cracks on the first day and can be had at far cheaper prices later in the week. Tracy Porter is a perfect example. The Bears didn’t sign him until late in free agency in 2015. He became a starter and one of their best cover corners.
This earned him a three-year deal that was quite affordable for the team. Even Pace’s opening day contracts are cheap by comparison. Pernell McPhee, their best pass rusher, signed for a modest $38.75 million last year. Inside linebacker Danny Trevathan, the primary target of this off-season, accepted a four-year deal at $24.5 million. Considering what he brings to a defense, his age (26), and status as the best on the market, that is outstanding value.
Next: Winners