Chicago Bears impending free agents and top team needs
By Erik Lambert
Sam Acho, LB
He’s been one of the great ambassadors for the Bears the past couple seasons and a quality rotational backup who can do a little bit of everything. He finished with 27 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He also provides some veteran experience on special teams as well. At 28-years old there’s no reason to think the Bears should just cast him out. He can still fulfill that same niche with the team provided he doesn’t raise his asking price too high.
Marquess Wilson, WR
The story of this young man is an ongoing tragedy. Kicked out off his college team due to conflict with the coaches, he became a 7th round pick of Chicago in 2013. From there he battled his way up the depth chart to get on the field. For brief flashes he showed so much potential as a receiver. Then he would suffer an injury that derails everything. It happened last season and again this season. He’s still just 24-years old but the inability to stay healthy makes it difficult to justify bringing him back again.
Connor Barth, K
It was an unenviable task for Connor Barth, being the one to replace Robbie Gould. Things did not start out well. He missed a number of key kicks that really hurt in some tight games. That said Barth seemed to settle into a rhythm towards the end of the year, hitting five of his last six field goals. He’s no Vinatieri but he’s at least experienced and reliable from within 40 yards. Until the Bears find somebody better, that’s enough.
Other Free Agents:
- Matt McCants
- Chris Prosinski
- Deonte Thompsons
- Logan Paulsen
- Mike Adams
- C.J. Wilson
- Nick Becton
- Matt Barkley