Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Free Agency: Complete Breakdown
By Erik Lambert
The Chicago Bears know that the draft will be high noon for their 2017 off-season, but free agency could prove just as key to a turnaround.
GM Ryan Pace made it clear the 2016 season was “unacceptable.” Among the positive notes he mentioned more than once at his end-of-year press conference? The fact they’d be going into this spring with loads of salary cap space. This, in his mind will open the team up to adding some veteran help at some of their need positions. Maybe not a ridiculously spending spree, but moves should be and are expected.
It’s just a matter of figuring out how things will transpire. In the spirit of the off-season where mock drafts reign, here is a switch to an NFL mock free agency. It will cover who the Bears are likely to trade or cut, re-sign among their own free agents and finally who they are likely to pursue on the unrestricted market.
Cuts/Trades
Jay Cutler (Trade)
Probably the most tradeable player the Bears have is Jay Cutler. He’ll be 34-years old in 2017 and word is his injury rehab is ahead of schedule. There definitely might be 2-3 teams interested in a veteran quarterback with his level of experience and still considerable talent. Compensation likely won’t be more than a mid-round pick, but at this point Ryan Pace might take it to get a fresh start at quarterback.
Lamarr Houston (Cut)
He had such a promising turnaround in 2015 with 8.5 sacks and looked like he could get used to the Fangio defense. Then Houston tore an ACL again. That’s the second time in three years. He might stick around for depth purposes. Then again the team may just take the $5.01 million and put it elsewhere.
Eddie Royal (Cut)
Few complained when the Bears signed this agile, quick receiver in 2015. He looked like an ideal option in the slot and has played that way. Unfortunately the guy can’t stay healthy. To date he has missed 14 games with various injuries. The Bears would save $5 million by cutting him loose.