The Chicago Bears are trying to figure out their defensive front in a cost-effective manner. The team has a limited amount of salary cap space to work, limiting their options. The Bears tried to go after a top player to help fill the pass rushing void, but after missing out on Michael Bennett, who will be the next target?
The Bears thought they had Bennett locked down on Monday. His brother, a current tight end for Chicago, had done some heavy recruiting for the team and the Bears thought they had successfully pulled the defensive star away from the Seattle Seahawks. However, Bennett opted to return to the Super Bowl champs, signing a four year deal with the team, one year removed from a one-year, $5 million contract.
Bennett comes off the market. Greg Hardy was tagged by the Carolina Panthers. Brian Orakpo was tagged by the Washington Redskins. Michael Johnson will join up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after agreeing to a five-year, $43.75 million deal. The market is getting thin and the Bears need to make a move.
Chicago will first gauge what they can get for the expensive Julius Peppers. The 34-year-old veteran is set to make $13.9 million next year. That is a lot of money to commit to an aging veteran despite the fact that he did record 45 tackles and seven sacks last season. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that if a trade cannot be completed, Peppers will likely be released, leaving another hole for the Bears to fill.
The team is reportedly pursuing Lamarr Houston who is not expected to return to the Oakland Raiders. Houston is coming off his best season after producing 69 tackles and six sacks. He has appeared in all 64 games over the past four years, proving he is durable and productive. Houston is considered the best available pass rusher and is getting interest from multiple teams.
If Houston is gone, the Bears could look to players like Justin Tuck or Jared Allen for help. Both players do not fit into any long-term plan, but come at the price Chicago is looking for. Many believe Tuck will return to the New York Giants, but if the Bears offer a better deal, he is gone. He put up 11 sacks last season, ranking him seventh in the league. Jared Allen posted the same numbers as Tuck last season and both are on the wrong end of 30, but could still be a solid option. Chicago wants to get younger across the board, but might be left with veterans as the best option.