Chicago Bears: Hidden 2018 Free Agent Gems

The Chicago Bears feel like a team that is on the cusp of becoming a legitimate contender, and 2018 NFL free agency may provide that final push.

Current projections have them at over $41 million. That’s before they could make certain cuts to drive the number up further. Long story short they can make any sort of deal they wish. Whether Ryan Pace will actually do that is something else. The GM has developed a reputation for not overspending, instead preferring to seek out possible hidden gems. Akiem Hicks is a perfect example of this. Under those conditions here are some possible names to watch next March.

Tyrell Williams (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)

The Bears are well-advertised in their need for wide receiver help. They already traded for Dontrelle Inman from the Chargers a couple weeks ago. Could they steal another promising young target in Tyrell Williams. The kid is 6’4″ so he presents a sizable target and have over 1,000 yards in 2016. With Keenan Allen and 1st round pick Mike Williams as their primary targets, it’s hard to imagine Los Angeles would pay too much money for Tyrell to stay aboard. With Inman being a free agent, this could be a worthwhile venture for Mitch Trubisky’s benefit.

Trent Murphy (OLB, Washington Redskins)

This is a name people have largely forgotten. Understandable since Murphy was lost early in the year with a torn ACL. They don’t recall that he was an emerging pass rush presence for the Washington Redskins. He had nine sacks in 2016 and also forced three fumbles. He’s not a freak athlete by any stretch but he’s a long, powerful rusher who would make a great compliment across from Leonard Floyd. This provided his knee checks out as healthy.

Terrance Mitchell (CB, Kansas City Chiefs)

Count this writer among the minority who felt it was a bad decision by the Bears to let Terrance Mitchell go. The young cornerback showed flashes of playmaking potential in 2014 and 2015 but was slowed by an injury. Eventually the team cut him loose. After a brief stint in Dallas he landed with the Kansas City Chiefs and is now a capable starter across from Marcus Peters. With three Bears in Prince Amukamara, Kyle Fuller and Bryce Callahan being free agents making a play for him could prove beneficial.

Eric Reid (S, San Francisco 49ers)

Adrian Amos has played excellent over the past few games. A welcome sight after his struggles the past two years. If he can keep it up there will be no need for the Bears to add a safety. On the other hand if he falters there is every reason in the world to reunite Eric Reid with Vic Fangio. The lone year the two were together in San Francisco, Reid went to the Pro Bowl. He’d make for a terrific compliment to Eddie Jackson and could be had at a bargain price.

Next: Chicago Bears 2018 Mock Offseason: The Big Push

Graham Gano (K, Carolina Panthers)

Connor Barth has become that annoying itch that you can’t scratch for the Bears. He’s far from the ideal kicker given his continued inconsistency. Yet the team still hasn’t found what they deem to be a decent replacement. Gano would represent exactly what they’re seeking. The 30-year old has plenty of experience and is in the midst of his best season to date, making 19 of his 20 field goals including five from beyond 40 yards. He’s not a star but he’s capable enough.