Chicago Bears: Day 1 Recap of 2017 NFL Free Agency

The Chicago Bears went into the first day of 2017 NFL free agency armed with a lot of cap space and a plan. Would that be enough to make a splash?

As far as Day 1 of the action goes, not so much. The team was connected to a lot of big names but generally failed to reel any of them in. It seems a combination of other teams having lots of money combined with coming off a bad year and having a coaching staff on the hot seat didn’t help their bargaining position. Though they were able to bring in four free agents, none of them were qualified as a top tier guy. So how exactly did the Bears do?

Mike Glennon (QB):  3-year deal, $43.5 million ($18.5 guaranteed)

The reaction around social media and the NFL to the Glennon signing was remarkably mixed. Some analysts laughed at the idea that the former 3rd round pick could ever be a starter after his underwhelming first attempt in Tampa Bay. Others, including former players, teammates and coaches swear that the 27-year old is more than capable of becoming an effective starter in the NFL. He was fairly productive in difficult circumstances back in 2013 and 2014. Give him some tools and some protection, it might be worth the risk.  Grade:  B-

Quintin Demps (S):  3-year deal, $13.5 million

It’s no secret the Bears need help at safety. Desperately need help is a better way to put it. Trotting out low round picks like Adrian Amos and former undrafted free agents like Harold Jones-Quartey hasn’t worked for them. The franchise-low 11 takeaways in 2016 proves that much. They needed somebody on the back end who could provide more turnover potential. In that context Quintin Demps makes a ton of sense. Though 31-years old, he’s only started 41 games total in his career. In the past four seasons he had 15 interceptions including six last year.  Grade:  C+

Dion Sims (TE):  3-year deal, $18 million ($10 million guaranteed)

Pace has a history of targeting younger players in free agency who are trending up in their career. Tight end Dion Sims is the perfect example. He just turned 26-years old and is coming off his most productive season in the NFL. He caught 26 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns. Not eye-popping numbers but he only started 11 games and was never really featured in the passing game (only 35 targets). Keep in mind the Bears targeted their tight ends 101 times in 2016.  His biggest value is as a pass blocker, something at which he excels. Grade:  B

Markus Wheaton (WR):  2-year contract

Wheaton was an ascending receiver going into last season for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He posted 644 yards in 2014 and 749 yards in 2015. Unfortunately three games into the season he suffered a shoulder injury that landed him on injured reserve. So the 26-year old comes into Chicago with a lot to prove. He’s a quick and speedy receiver who can be an instant threat in the slot and down the field. Also he’ll add depth and value in the kick return game, averaging 23.6 yards per return in Pittsbrugh. The Bears wanted more speed in their passing attack. They got it.  Grade:  C

Conclusion:

From an adding of front line talent perspective, the Bears struck out. There is just no subtle way to put it. Glennon was their biggest purchase so far and he’s a former backup who hasn’t started a game since 2014. Given this team finished 3-13 last year, this isn’t the start they wanted. On the other hand, from a depth perspective Chicago did excellent work. Demps, Sims and Wheaton all provide quality experience at need positions and decent upside to become productive. Put simply it was a slow jump out of the blocks, but the race is far from over.