Free agency is starting to wind down after a crazy first couple of days. We saw teams like the New York Jets go for it all with the signings of Le’Veon Bell and C.J. Mosley. The Buffalo Bills were able to completely retool their offense, and give Josh Allen some new weapons to work with. We also saw two of the best receivers in football in Odell Beckham and Antonio Brown get traded. In all of the craziness, the Chicago Bears stayed pretty quiet after going on a hefty spending spree last off-season. Unfortunately, they were unable to re-sign two key starters from last year’s playoff team in Adrian Amos and Bryce Callahan. However, they were able to replace them, and also add a few more weapons on offense. Let’s take a look at some of the key players the Bears signed during the free agency period.
Chicago Bears Free Agent Signings
Mike Davis
The Bears opened the free agency period by signing former Seattle Seahawks running back Mike Davis to a two-year, $6 million contract. Davis struggled in his first three years with the San Fransisco 49ers and Seahawks. He was only able to amass 348 yards during those years. However, he had a breakout year this season, going for 512 yards on 112 carries and also added four touchdowns. Davis was also a big factor in the passing game, catching 34 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown.
Right now, Davis is sitting behind Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen on the depth chart. The Bears have discussed trading Howard, which could make way for Davis to be the lead back. If the Bears don’t go with this route, still look for Davis to play a decent role in Matt Nagy‘s offense. They could deploy something that Seattle did, using up to three or four running backs and utilizing all of their unique talents.
Buster Skrine
The Bears followed up that by signing former Cleveland Browns and New York Jets defensive back Buster Skrine to a three-year, $16.5 million deal. Skrine will be entering his ninth NFL season, after eight pretty quiet seasons. His best year was with the Browns in 2014, when he accumulated a career-high four interceptions. Last season with the Jets, Skrine struggled, as he didn’t record any interceptions, and was given a 57.3 rating by PFF, which is considered average.
Skrine is likely to be the new starting nickel cornerback, replacing Callahan, who signed with the Denver Broncos. Skrine did get a nice compliment from Matt Nagy before the start of last season. He called Skrine, “One of the best nickels in the league, if not the best”. That should make Bears fans feel pretty good about the signing. Skrine has an aggressive play style, which should fit well with what new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano likes to do.
Cordarrelle Patterson
The Bears also signed former New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and kick return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson. He was signed to a two-year deal worth $10 million. Patterson is entering his seventh NFL season. He is widely considered one of the most dangerous returners in NFL history. He’s made first-team All-Pro twice as a returner. Last season against the Bears, Patterson returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the Patriots eventual 38-31 victory over the Bears.
Patterson is an explosive weapon that not only will be utilized on special teams, but also on offense as a gadget type player. He has great speed and Matt Nagy will try and find ways for him to get the ball in space. He is a definite upgrade over Kevin White and Josh Bellamy. Patterson should be able to contribute and help the Bears improve their offense
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
Safety was a position that went quickly during free agency. Players like Tyrann Mathieu, Adrian Amos, and Earl Thomas went within the first few days. However, there were still some good options left, and the Bears were able to get their hands on one for a very cheap price. They signed former Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
Clinton-Dix will be entering his sixth season in the NFL. He was traded during the middle of the season last year from the Packers to the Redskins. He had a decent year last year, totaling three interceptions and causing one fumble while playing in all 16 games. Clinton-Dix’s best season came in 2016, where he was named to his first and only Pro Bowl.
He gets a chance to play alongside fellow Alabama safety Eddie Jackson. They both play a ball-hawking type style, which will give the Bears great playmaking potential at the back end of the defense. With the Bears being so great at getting to the quarterback and forcing errant throws, Clinton-Dix should get a lot of opportunities to make plays for one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Last Word on the Bears Signings
The Bears didn’t make the big splash that some of the other teams made. Yet, they were able to acquire a few solid pieces that will help them in the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see how these players are able to fit into the Bears new culture. Next up for Chicago is the draft, which is exactly one month from today, where they will look to add to their already talented roster.
