Chicago Bears: They Must Consider a Play For Kony Ealy

After being traded by the Carolina Panthers and then waived by the New England Patriots, Kony Ealy is a man adrift in the NFL.

It’s quite a turnaround since February of 2016. Coming out of Super Bowl 50 against the Denver Broncos, many felt the defensive end had his coming out party. Not only did he deliver three sacks in the game, he also had an interception on a tipped pass. Unfortunately that outstanding game didn’t translate to the next season. He delivered five sacks in 16 games. Rather than prepare to offer him a new contract, Carolina traded him to the Patriots. A couple months later? He was waived.

Now he is once again at a crossroads, hoping to find a team that might be able to do something with him. So why should the Chicago Bears give this kid a look? He’s played his entire career as a defensive end in a 4-3 after all. If New England couldn’t make use of him, there’s no reason to think the Bears could do better.

That’s not true of course.

Kony Ealy has tremendous value in a situational role

Part of the issue with Ealy is he might not be playing the right position. Coming out of college he played and operated less like a defensive end and more like an outside linebacker. In fact there were frequent descriptions of that during the predraft process in 2014.

"“Is long and has a big, projectable frame with room for added bulk. Quick off the snap. Loose athlete. Moves like a linebacker — 6.83-second 3-cone drill paced defensive linemen at the combine. Plays on his feet. Runs the arc — dips his shoulder, bends the corner and gets home. Closes fast on the quarterback. Can spin off blocks, redirect and chase the quarterback. Crashes down the line and ranges in pursuit. Flexible and coordinated to zone-drop.”"

The clip shown above showcases Ealy at what he does best. He’s excellent coming off the snap, gets around the edge quickly and closes to the quarterback for a strip-sack. It’s possible this young man has played out of position his entire career and the Bears are now in a place where they could slide him into the proper one.

They have lingering concerns at outside linebacker as it is. Pernell McPhee has another knee issue. Lamarr Houston is little better after a second torn ACL last year. Willie Young turns 32-years old this season. Only Leonard Floyd sticks out as their long-term option. Adding Ealy would give them a nice depth option who could be something more if cultivated properly.

It’s a risk worth taking.