Chicago Bears Mailbag: The Kareem Hunt conundrum and more
By Erik Lambert
@juckshot3
What are the chances that the Bears will get rid of Howard based on Nagys recent comments on Kareem Hunt?
This question is going to follow the Bears for the rest of the year. The Kareem Hunt issue is a delicate one for obvious reasons. Domestic violence is a major issue and the former Pro Bowler is undeniably guilty of shoving and kicking a woman. He’s likely going to be suspended. The question is for how long. A half season? A full season? That is what teams aren’t sure of yet. So contemplating this idea is something that will have to be shelved until he’s about to return.
Hunt’s future has no bearing on Howard, in my opinion. Nagy found ways to use him well down the stretch but it’s clear he still has limitations in this offense. Howard is an old fashioned nail that must be hammered repeatedly to be effective. Nagy wants a nail gun. They may seek a long-term replacement before the Hunt question even becomes a factor.
@mklcolvin
Other than Sims & Parkey, who do you think the #Bears will release this offseason, and if you’d think that there’d be any FA targets that would make good replacements?
One name I think stands out as a likely cut will be Sam Acho. The veteran has been a great locker room presence for a long time but he’s into his 30s now and coming off a season-ending injury. Cutting him would net over $2 million in cap space. Together with Aaron Lynch being a free agent, that makes outside linebacker a key spot they could attack. One guy I genuinely hope they try to pursue is Markus Golden. He had 12.5 sacks in 2016 before tearing his ACL a year later. He was stuck in a 4-3 system last year but would be a great fit in Pagano’s attacking scheme.