Sports NDAMUKONG SUH TO THE BEARS? The Bears have plenty of cap space to improve their roster this offseason. Should they pursue free agent stars like Ndamukong Suh and Devin McCourty, or use that cap space across more positions?
Suh’s Impactful Stats Year 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
Ndamukong Suh’s reputation as a dirty player may have some fans weary, but there is no doubt that his tenacity would bring a whole new dynamic to the Bears defense.
GP 16 16 16 14 16
Tackles 44 36 25 26 49
Sacks 8.5 5.5 8 4 10
Photo by Mike Morbeck
Andrew Pappas pursue dominant defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as free agency begins this week. Suh, who has spent the past commodity on the free agent market, and while the Bears — or any NFL team for that matter — could use Suh, he will likely cost much more than the Bears would be able Chicago’s new general manager/ head coach duo of Ryan Pace and John Fox are still clearly more than fortune that Suh will likely be looking for would better serve the Bears if spread amongst multiple contributors on the defensive side of the football. in total defense last season. Pace has vowed to change that, and do so quickly. “When you think about the Chicago Bears’ identity over the
years, it’s tough, physical defense,” Pace said in his introductory press conference, “and we’re going to get back to that.” While he will likely use the Bears’ seventh overall pick in next nose tackle, two positions imperative to the Bears new 3-4 style defense, there are also options for both in free agency that he will expectBears need to address almost every probably going to make signings at each level: the defensive line, linebacker and secondary. some point, but former Denver Broncos tackle, Terrance Knighton, would be a nice consolation when Suh’s price leaves the realm of tackles in his two seasons with the Broncos. At 6’3” and 331 pounds, Knighton, who has the nickname “Pot Roast,” would be a load on the interior line. On the next level up — linebacker — the Bears cupboard is
pretty bare. Former 4-3 style defensive ends Willie Young and Jared Allen are expected to transition to the outside edge-rushing linebacker position in the 3-4, but the Bears certainly have room for help at that position. Former Pittsburgh Steeler Jason Worilds and Baltimore Raven Pernell McPhee are two veteran opseason. Recently released A.J. Hawk may also be an option at linebacktackles last season and has played in all sixteen games in each but one of his nine seasons. Safeties Devin McCourty and Rahim Moore will also be receiving calls from Pace. McCourty, like Suh, is the premier free agent at his position and will likely become too pricy for the Bears. the more realistic option. He was a second-round pick for the Bronship may be strong enough to get
Moore had 49 tackles and four interceptions last season. Pace and the Bears will have to look for some value plays as well. Cornerbacks Davon House, Byron Maxwell and Chris Culliver will all be on their radar and should come can be said for linebackers David Harris, Sean Weatherspoon, Bruce Carter and Nate Irving. a speedy receiver to the mix to contrast the physical styles of the tall, strong receivers currently on their roster. Even with the recent trading of Brandon Marshall, the Bears still boast a large receiving core. something they could acquire in free agency. Veteran wideouts Miles Austin, Brian Hartline and Jason also look to add depth at running back with someone like Roy Helu or desperately need is at right tackle.
Jordan Mills has started there each of the last two seasons, but his struggles leave Pro Bowl right guard Kyle Long by himself on the cos guard Orlando Franklin could reunite with John Fox and return to right tackle, where he started for the very least, Mills will have some competition in camp. Pace and Fox inherited a dyscame a laughingstock last season, but instantly gained more credibility with the hiring of these two as well as other veteran coaches, but it still comes down to personnel in the NFL. If Pace can give Fox a bit more to work with come week one, there is no reason why the Bears shouldn’t at least be competitive and respectwill it be a big splash move like Suh, or multiple smaller acquisitions to create more depth?