Chicago Bears 2018 Mock Off-Season: Time to Get Aggressive

Free Agency

Jarvis Landry (WR)

Pace has always been careful with the money he spends, but he’s not dumb either. He has to know the clock is really ticking now. If ever there was a time to come out swinging in free agency, this is it. Landry is one of the best slot receivers in the NFL, a two-time Pro Bowler. His mixture of speed, quickness and route running skill make him a matchup headache. He can be that outlet pass who consistently gets open Trubisky hasn’t had this season.

Ryan Grant (WR)

Pace loves to find the little hidden gems and Grant could be a fascinating one. He’s really emerged in 2017 for the Washington Redskins, posting career highs of 417 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games. People love to say he’s not fast but the guy tends to get wide open an awful lot. He runs sharp routes and has an excellent pair of hands. The Bears would be able to move him around in combo with Landry to find matchups.

Jeremiah Attaochu (OLB)

The pass rush for the Bears is in dire need of an overhaul. Their best guy Leonard Floyd has now finished his first two seasons on injured reserve. Combined with age concerns around Pernell McPhee, Willie Young and Lamarr Houston they have to get proactive in overhauling that position. Jeremiah Attaochu is trapped in a difficult situation with the Chargers, forced to play 4-3 defensive end despite a clear skill set made for 3-4 outside linebacker. The last time he played a season healthy in that scheme he had six sacks. There is still room for him to grow.

Trent Murphy (OLB)

It was such a shame when Murphy went down for this year with an injury. He broke out in 2016 with nine sacks for the Redskins and was poised for further success. Now he may be starting from scratch elsewhere. Though it’s true Chicago doesn’t have the best track record with taking risks on injury-prone players the fact is Murphy can be part of the solution to their biggest problem. Not only that but the price also won’t be exorbitant.

Nickell Robey-Coleman (CB)

Bryce Callahan will be a free agent in 2018. Given his injury history it might be time for a change at the slot corner position. Robey-Coleman has quietly been one of the best in the NFL at that job for two years. He’s been a big help to the Los Angeles Rams. Their pass defense rankings have improved in every category since his arrival. He’s only 5’7″ but it’s hard to argue with his results.