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Chicago Bears: 5 free agents who can help them in 2019

By Erik Lambert

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 04: Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to kicking a field goal during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 04: Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots looks on prior to kicking a field goal during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium on December 4, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins hits Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and is called for a roughing the passer penalty at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 19: Preston Smith #94 of the Washington Redskins hits Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints and is called for a roughing the passer penalty at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 19, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Preston Smith (OLB)

With respect to Aaron Lynch, he did not prove reliable enough to be that #3 pass rusher the Bears needed off the edge. His injury problems were a constant issue and they missed him in the playoff loss. Sam Acho has been out all year as well and he’s in his 30s. This team needs to add another edge rusher to their rotation who can ease the burden on Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd to be the only guys who can provide pressure.

Preston Smith isn’t a name that comes up too often as a top outside linebacker but make no mistake. This guy can play. Though he only had four sacks in 2018, he had 53 total pressures on opposing quarterbacks. He knows how to get there. His prowess in that regard makes him the ideal situational rusher. He’d be able to spell Mack for entire drives, keeping the superstar fresh for when he’s needed the most.

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