Chicago Bears Mock Off-Season: Adding the Nagy Flavor

Re-Signings

Mark Sanchez (QB)

The man seems to have an excellent connection with Trubisky. Retaining him would be like having an extra quarterbacks coach on the roster. Not to mention his value as a veteran backup.

Benny Cunningham (RB)

The versatility that Cunningham brought to the offense was valuable in 2017. He’s a decent runner and receiver out of the backfield but is also more than solid on special teams.

Cameron Meredith (WR)

Before that unfortunate knee injury in the preseason it looked like Meredith was poised for a big year. It’s worth bringing him back on a prove-it deal to see if he can fulfill that promise.

Kendall Wright (WR)

He was the leading receiver on the roster this past season. That may not be saying much but Wright seems to have a solid connection with Trubisky. He earned his roster spot.

Bradley Sowell (OT)

The Bears have depth at guard with some injured players returning but it’s not the same at tackle. Sowell showed dependability as a reserve at the position and also a knack for kicking inside.

Mitch Unrein (DE)

This is a difficult one. Unrein was a favorite of Fox and is in his 30s but he was also solid for them again this year. Retaining him for one more year but be in their best interests.

Lamarr Houston (OLB)

With both McPhee and Young on their way out, keeping Houston in town is paramount. He collected four sacks in five games to end the season and clearly loves to play in this defense.

Sam Acho (OLB)

Say this for Acho. At least he’s able to stay on the field. In truth he continues to be a reliable reserve and excellent representative off the field for the Bears. Might as well keep him.

Christian Jones (ILB)

This re-signing becomes magnified with the Kwiatkoski trade. Jones took a giant step forward in 2017 and seems to have come of age. With Fangio’s return, he’s long-term starter material.

Jon Timu (ILB)

The trade also enhances the desire to bring back Timu so as to maintain strong depth at the position. He’s not a starter but is utterly dependable as backup.

Kyle Fuller (CB)

The franchise tag could be in play after the excellent season Fuller had with two interceptions and 22 passes defended. He’s their biggest free agent priority by a wide margin.

Prince Amukamara (CB)

Fuller may get the spotlight but Amukamara deserves a ton of praise for the low key good year he had. He’s not a ballhawk but his coverage is steady and solid. He fits this defense well.

Bryce Callahan (CB)

Probably the most frustrating player on this list. Callahan has shown to be a really good corner but only when he’s healthy. Staying on the field is a persistent issue, but he’s also not expendable.

Sherrick McManis (CB)

He was and remains the best special teams player the Bears have on their roster. That was proven yet again this year so bringing him back is a no brainer.

Pat O’Donnell (P)

Cairo Santos (K)

Patrick Scales (LS)

O’Donnell isn’t a star but he improved considerably this past year. Santos never got a chance to showcase his skill due to a nagging groin injury. He should be healthy come next season. Scales is the younger and more proven of the two long snappers the Bears have.