Chicago Bears: 3 Possible Pernell McPhee Replacements
By Erik Lambert
Pernell McPhee is becoming the living embodiment of Chicago Bears fans’ frustrations. A talented football player haunted by constant injury problems.
At the start of OTAs it looked like things were finally on the mend for the outside linebacker. He made it through practices without any visible issues after injuring his knee again the year before. All signs pointed to him being ready for training camp. Then upon arrival both he and Bears nation were hit with more bad news. He was held out of practice after doctors discovered an “irregularity” in his other knee. This forced them to place him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list until more information is gathered.
McPhee can return at any time during the preseason, but fans are quickly souring on McPhee. They’re starting to view him as damaged goods who will never reach his full potential.
Pernell McPhee has been placed on PUP. pic.twitter.com/9918IxvVVj
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 27, 2017
That’s a shame too. When healthy McPhee has proven he can be a borderline dominant force up front. The idea of pairing him with an emerging Leonard Floyd was so tantalizing. There were fleeting glimpses in 2016. Now people are looking ahead, already envisioning his exit in 2018. That is down the road though. For now the Bears may have to consider bringing in more depth at outside linebacker. Here are some names to watch.
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Marcus Smith
Initially it seemed like a good idea when the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Marcus Smith. It was always projected that he would fit best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. For two years the Philadelphia Eagles had him at that position. Unfortunately they had some iffy coaches overseeing his development. Then they shifted to 4-3 in 2016 and he was doomed. He’s still just 25-years old and has pass rushing chops. Give him to Vic Fangio and see what happens.
Paul Kruger
At one point in time he was a reliable edge presence for the Baltimore Ravens, helping them win the Super Bowl. Then in 2014 he notched a career-high 11 sacks with the Cleveland Browns. However, he’s regressed over the past two seasons with just four sacks total. At 31-years old his best days are behind him, but there might just be some gas left in the tank.
Corey Lemonier
The former 3rd round pick was a personal pet project of Fangio back during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. In their two years together Lemonier teased his ability to create pressure but just never could seem to turn the light on. Then Fangio was fired and a new coaching staff came in. From there things went down the tube. Perhaps a reunion though might yet yield something.