Grade: C
Free Agents Signed:
Robert Quinn, OLB
Jimmy Graham, TE
Danny Trevathan, ILB (Re-signed)
Devante Bond, LB (Re-signed)
Roy Robertson-Harris, DL (Re-signed)
Nick Foles, QB (Via Trade)
Free Agents Lost:
Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB (Signed by the Raiders)
Kevin Pierre-Louis, ILB (Signed by the Redskins)
Nick Williams, DT (Signed by the Lions)
Chase Daniel, QB (Signed by the Lions)
Leonard Floyd, OLB (released)
Trades: N/A
Impact on team:
The Chicago Bears free agency has been average so far. Re-signing ILB Danny Trevathan was the best move the Bears have made until this point in free agency. Trevathan has been a major leader in the Bears’ locker room and a leader for the defense since 2016. The Bears locking up the QB of their dominant defense to a three-year extension was the best thing they have done since trading for OLB Khalil Mack a few years ago. That being said the Bears’ linebacker room took a big hit this free agency period. They lost both plug and play backups, Kwiatkoski and Pierre-Louis. This is big because they stepped up in big moments last season when the defense was hit with injuries. The team swapped emerging pass rusher Floyd for vet pass rusher Quinn; this is a net zero for a defense that is looking for pass rushers to help Mack see less double and triple teams.
On the offensive side of the ball QB, TE, and OL is the Bears’ areas of concern. Signing veteran TE Jimmy Graham should be a big help for the offense on third downs and red zone opportunities. The team losing backup QB Chase Daniel had major implications moving forward because they needed to bring in another QB. The team stated that they are committing to Trubisky after the regular season last year, but fans are hoping that they sign a starting QB this free agency. Cam Newton has been given permission to seek a trade and the Bears was on his list. The Bears decided to trade for Nick Foles (in exchange for their 4th-round draft pick) instead of going with Newton. Hopefully for Bears fans this was the right decision, but only time will tell. The team has not yet addressed their offensive line. Last year they struggled to open up running lanes and keep the QB’s jerseys clean.
The Bears have addressed their QB position by signing Foles. Let the QB competition begin!
If the Bears want to be competitive in the NFC North next season they need to address the OL, and DL positions. They also need to make the right decision when it comes to picking the starting QB. It is no secret that the Bears have the worst QB situation in the division. Signing Foles to compete with Trubisky will definitely light a fire under him to improve. Also Mack needs help getting to the QB, signing Quinn was a good start to this goal but it is not enough. It will be interesting to see what other moves the Bears will make.
