Chicago Bears Complete Updated 2017 NFL Mock Offseason
By Erik Lambert
Re-signs and Franchise Tag:
Tag: Alshon Jeffery (WR) = 1-year, $15.826 million
If the Bears weren’t able to get him on a long-term deal last year, it’s hard to imagine them having anymore success this year. Even so, Jeffery is a commodity they just can’t let walk. Not yet. He’s still too valuable. So they bite the $17+ million bullet on the franchise tag for another year.
Matt Barkley (QB) = 1-year, $775,000
Brian Hoyer might seem like the more favorable choice but odds are he’ll get heavy interest from elsewhere. Barkley was uneven at times last year but considering it was his first significant action ever, he played fairly well. At least strong enough to warrant a long-term deal as a backup.
Connor Shaw (QB) = 1-year, $615,000 (ERFA Tender)
A try-hard kid who didn’t get a fair shake in Cleveland. Shaw has everything from the work ethic and leadership perspectives. He’s not a first-rate physical talent but he’s athletic and was the preseason star for the Bears last August. Why not bring him back for another chance?
Connor Shaw with a TD pass to end the #Bears game. pic.twitter.com/PrRctsbZl4
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) August 19, 2016
Josh Bellamy (WR) = 1-year, $615,000 (ERFA Tender)
People will rag on him day and night for the drop problems he suffered but remember he was never supposed to play at all. By and large Bellamy had some nice moment with 19 catches for 282 yards. He still has special teams value and would make for solid depth at wide receiver.
Cornelius Washington (DL) = 1-year, $775,000
Finally injuries didn’t get in his way and Washington looked like he’s starting to figure things out. It’s clear the former 6th round pick feels at home in the Vic Fangio system at defensive end. He’s still young and can be brought back on the cheap. Keep exploring that well of potential.
Sam Acho (OLB) = 1-year, $775,000
Veteran leadership, depth and special teams value are the primary reasons Sam Acho should stick around. He’s not a rising star by any stretch, but the man knows how to do a little bit of everything. Defensive coaches like players with that sort of skill. No sense losing it.
Christian Jones (OLB) = 1-year, $750,000
Versatility is also a big benefit for Jones as well. He now has experience at both outside and inside linebacker in this Bears scheme. Throw in the fact he showed up a number of times on kickoff and punt coverage? If he’s willing to come back the team has good reason to accept him.
Brandon Boykin (CB) = 1-year, $775,000
His opportunity last year was cut short by an ill-timed injury. One would think that Boykin is gone because of it, but it’s not like the Bears are enriched with corners. They’re searching for quality options. It’s no harm to bring him in for competition purposes during training camp again.
Johnthan Banks (CB) = 1-year, $775,000
The fact they claimed him off waivers signals the team has at least enough interest to keep him around for a little longer. Banks is a former 2nd round pick who has the length and athleticism to fit the type of defensive back Fangio covets. He just needs more time to adapt.
Bryce Callahan (CB) = 1-year, $615,000 (ERFA Tender)
When he was health and on the field, Callahan was one of the best cornerbacks Chicago had. He’s sticky in coverage and plays downhill with instinct and aggressiveness against the run. The problem is he can’t stay healthy. Bring him back on a one-year deal to prove otherwise.
https://twitter.com/_JeffLucker/status/809495810056613888
Connor Barth (K) = 1-year, $900,000
His start to 2016 was atrocious, but over the course of the season Connor Barth seemed to settle down and became reliable enough. Odds are the Bears will re-sign him to a short deal and bring in another body as competition. After all, his lack of long distance accuracy is a big problem.
Patrick Scales (LS) – 2-years, $1.9 million
There weren’t a ton of complaints about Scales during the season. Most of his snaps were fairly solid and on target. He just turned 29-years old so he’s a good age with plenty of experience. Unless a clear upgrade appears somewhere, best to bring him back for continuity.