Chicago Bears: 5 free agents they could still sign before season

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers tackle Orlando Franklin (74) blocks against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has shown on many occasions that free agency is never really over in the NFL. Provided the right players on the market.

Former cornerback Tracey Porter and current guard Josh Sitton were both acquisitions much later than the hottest period in March and early April. In fact if one were to look at the names still available at present, they’d find a few that might actually look good in navy blue. Considering the Bears are coming off a 3-13 season, should any position be considered secure at this point? Here are a few names that stand out from the pack that Chicago could still scoop.

Eric Decker (WR)

It’s easy to forget that Decker has produced over 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns in three of the past five seasons. Injury derailed him in 2016 but there’s good reason to think he still has a couple solid years left in him. The Bears aren’t settled at wide receiver by any stretch. They need somebody who can create more production in the red zone and from the slot. Decker has shown he can do both. With respect to Markus Wheaton and Victor Cruz, the Bears are well within their rights to add competition.

Orlando Franklin (OG)

There is no such thing as enough depth at any position. Guard may look like one of the stronger spots on the roster but that could easily change. Both Josh Sitton and Kyle Long missed time last year with injuries. They did retain Eric Kush but lost Ted Larsen to free agency. Rookie Jordan Morgan is an unknown quantity. Orlando Franklin played for John Fox in Denver and is only 29-years old. He could add more veteran depth to that interior and also has history playing tackle.

Ryan Clady (OT)

Speaking of tackle, that is a considerably more troubled position at the moment. At least in terms of depth. Charles Leno and Bobby Massie are entrenched as the starters but beyond them is a bit tricky. Veterans Bradley Sowell and Tom Compton have playing experience with other teams but neither could be considered above average talents who could start for long in case of injury. Ryan Clady, though 30-years old and hampered by injury, is a four-time Pro Bowler.

Erik Walden (OLB)

He turns 32-years old in August. That might be why teams are hesitant to sign Erik Walden. At the same time it’s really odd because the guy is coming off the best season of his career with 11 sacks. Clearly the guy understands how to get to the quarterback. Sure he’s not a spring chicken anymore but there’s no such thing as too many pass rushers in the NFL. Especially given the injury woes that have plagued guys like Leonard Floyd, Lamarr Houston and Pernell McPhee. Walden has missed just four games in six seasons.

Sam Shields (CB)

Concussions are a very touchy issue in the NFL these days. They can prove dangerous to long-term health if not handled properly. Sam Shields has suffered four in his career to date. People are concerns what anymore might do to him 20-30 years from now. Maybe nothing but maybe something terrible. At the same time when he’s healthy he’s one of the better corners in football. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2014 and had three interceptions in just 12 games in 2015. If he’s willing to sign an incentive-laden deal, that could be a worthwhile risk for the Bears.

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