Chicago Bears: Ryan Pace Is Known For Late Free Agent Finds
By Erik Lambert
Given that it’s late May now, most would consider the Chicago Bears and their efforts to upgrade their roster all but complete at this point.
Except GM Ryan Pace has already proven on several occasions that he never stops trying to find ways to improve his team. What he’s done to this point in 2018 can be considered his potential masterstroke. He added a young, respected offensive coordinator in Matt Nagy to become head coach and groom Mitch Trubisky. He added an array of weapons to the offense including Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and rookies James Daniels and Anthony Miller.
Last but certainly not least, he worked hard to retain defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and gave him a potential stud in Roquan Smith at inside linebacker. Sure there are some areas that still need work but by and large, the Bears look like a vastly improved team. If Pace were to sit back and rest on his laurels the odds favor most would call this a successful offseason. Yet Pace and his obsessive attention to detail make that unlikely.
It’s quite possible he has another move in mind.
Pace has found success during late periods of free agency
Most would have you believe that the summer months are the dead period of free agency. While it’s true the biggest names are long gone, time and again it’s been shown there are still solid players out there to be had and sometimes a little luck doesn’t hurt. Pace has proven this on a number of occasions, finding the Bears quality contributors long after the main waves have passed.
June 8th, 2015: CB Tracy Porter
Reaching out to a longtime acquaintance he knew well from New Orleans, Pace secured former Super Bowl hero Tracy Porter on a one-year deal. Most felt it was just a depth move but time soon revealed that Porter was finally healthy enough to regain some of his old form. He became one of the most reliable starters in 2015 and a catalyst for their huge upset victory over Green Bay that year.
September 4th, 2016: OG Josh Sitton
As stated above, sometimes luck is needed to get hits late on the market. When the Packers surprisingly cut guard Josh Sitton before the season in 2016, the Bears were quick to pounce. They signed him to a three-year deal and made him their new left guard, enabling them to shift Cody Whitehair to center. Despite a difficult year, the offense performed well and Sitton reached the Pro Bowl.
Next: Chicago Bears Bucket List: 10 Things We Want to See in 2018
March 17th, 2017: DT John Jenkins
It wasn’t as high profile as the two other moves but people shouldn’t overlook the value Jenkins brought to the roster. The Bears were really hurting for depth at nose tackle behind Eddie Goldman, who had a history of injury problems. Jenkins was able to plug that critical gap. His stats weren’t huge but he played eight games and was able to spell Goldman enough to keep him fresh and play his best season yet.