Chicago Bears: Final 2017 NFL Free Agency Grades

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Aug 31, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) works out prior to the game against the Washington Redskins during the Tropical Storm Hermine at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

UNRESTRICTED ADDITIONS

QB Mike Glennon: B

The reasoning behind signing Glennon is perfectly understood and accepted. Chicago wanted a fresh start from Jay Cutler, but they also needed somebody with experience. Someone who could step in and conduct an NFL offense well enough to win games. Glennon fits the bill. He’s got some talent worth exploring and seems ready for the opportunity.

S Quintin Demps: B

From a short-term perspective this was a crafty signing. Demps is a veteran safety with range and ball skills. The Bears defense badly needs somebody who can take the ball away. He can do that. However, this doesn’t solve the overall problem. He’s a temporary fix at best. Still, it will be nice knowing he brings a little more reliability in coverage over the top.

WR Markus Wheaton: B

His injury last season was unfortunate timing because it looked like Wheaton was starting to figure things out. Despite being stuck behind Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant in Pittsburgh, he still managed over 700 yards in 2015. With a greater role in the offense, combined with legitimate speed he may just end up surprising a lot of people.

TE Dion Sims: C+

It’s hard not to view this signing as a bit of a reach. Granted, Pace loves to take cracks at young players who are ascending. Sims is already a proven blocker as a tight end and flashed some receiving ability last year in the limited chances the Miami Dolphins gave him. How might he function in an offense that tries to feature him more? Intriguing if nothing else.

CB Prince Amukamara: B+

He may not be the prize people had hoped for when he was a 1st round pick, but Prince Amukamara is still a solid starting cornerback in this league. He’ll give the team more stability on the boundary along with some added size. Vic Fangio does have a way with defensive backs, so this might end up working in the Bears’ favor with a little luck.

CB Marcus Cooper: A

An even better signing than Amukamara. Not only is he younger, but Cooper is a much more proven player when it comes to taking the football away. He had four interceptions last season. His best years appear ahead of him and his familiarity with Fangio only makes it a bigger acquisition. Maybe not a lock down guy, but somebody who gives the Bears just what they need.

WR Kendall Wright: B+

The last time Wright and Dowell Loggains were together, the young receiver went over 1,000 yards. That was with guys like Jake Locker and Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing him the football. If Glennon can live up to his potential and Loggains regains that same magic, then this could end up being a steal. As it stands he’s another quality speed option bought at a favorable price.

NT John Jenkins: C

From a depth perspective this is a great move by the Bears. They really didn’t haven anybody worth noting behind Eddie Goldman at nose tackle. Jenkins is a natural fit. That being said, he’s hardly what one would call reliable. The former 3rd round pick has been battling injury problems his entire career. Likely he’s hoping a fresh start in Chicago might finally turn things around.

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