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Chicago Bears 2018 Mock Offseason: The Big Push

By Erik Lambert

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 21: Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and current offensive coordinator Frank Reich watches warm-ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 21: Former Buffalo Bills quarterback and current offensive coordinator Frank Reich watches warm-ups before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 21, 2014 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 20: Jeremiah Attaochu
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 20: Jeremiah Attaochu /

Free Agency

WR Paul Richardson

Remember who is running the show here. Ryan Pace has established his identity when it comes to free agency. He’s not going to throw all his money at one player. He prefers to spread the wealth, seeking out young players who are ascending in their careers rather than established big names. Richardson fits this bill perfectly. The former 1st round pick got off to a slow start in his career but is coming along big in 2017. He’s on track for 830 yards and 10 touchdowns up in Seattle. He’s got speed and hands, two things the Bears desperately need more of.

OLB Jeremiah Attaochu

He might be one of the more curious cases of the upcoming free agent class. Attaochu had a ton of promise as a 2nd round pick in 2014. A year later he produced six sacks and appeared poised for a breakout in 2016. Then the Chargers drafted Joey Bosa. Combined with ankle and foot injuries he regressed. Then the coaching staff changed, switching the defensive scheme to a 4-3. This forced Attaochu to become a defensive end, a position he’s not built for. He is a natural 3-4 outside linebacker. He turns 25 in January. This is the sort of calculated gamble worth taking.

RB Orleans Darkwa

Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen make for a strong 1-2 punch but the Bears could really use a running back who can take at least one drive away from Howard. Why? Simple preservation. They want to keep him healthy and a great way to do that is finding a way to limit his carries without losing production. Orleans Darkwa has been a revelation in New York. Scooping him up to team with Howard would allow Cohen to operate more like a versatile weapon.

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