The Chicago Bears have been an active team this offseason and after the team dealt with Jay Cutler trade rumors this winter, John Fox affirmed that he will be the starting quarterback and that could lead to more free agent moves, as players like Vince Wilfork, Stevan Ridley, Pierre Thomas, Michael Crabtree, Greg Jennings and Brandon Spikes are available on the market and could be targets.
The Bears have already made some significant signings with Eddie Royal, Antrel Rolle and Pernell McPhee, but they may want to add more on offense after Brandon Marshall was traded. According to ESPN.com, the team brought in Eddie Royal on a free agent deal, but Michael C. Wright reports that other wide receivers could be on the radar for the Bears. Last season the team was not as efficient on offense running the ball and that could lead to looking at free agents like Ben Tate, Stevan Ridley or Pierre Thomas.
--UPDATE: Vince Wilfork has opted to sign with the Texans. Adam Schefter reports that Wilfork is signing a deal in Houston, leaving the New England Patriots.
Matt Forte had a great season overall, but the Bears ranked 27th in the league in rushing yards per game and need more depth at the position. NFL.com lists Thomas and Ridley the two best free agents left at their position and one of them could be a solid option behind Forte. Last season Forte caught overall 100 balls and had over 1000 yards rushing, but overall the offense was a mess. Ridley is coming off of an injury and likely will not be back with the Patriots, while Thomas was released by the Saints.
The team could look at Brandon Spikes to help solidify the defense, while Vince Wilfork also could be an option, as the team gave up over 100 yards rushing per game last year. Greg Jennings and Michael Crabtree could be fits alongside Eddie Royal for Jay Cutler, as he needs a bounce back year after the way the team performed overall in 2014. Cutler had been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason, but the team has said he will be starter in 2015.
The team already traded Brandon Marshall to the Jets and they are not shopping Cutler anymore and it comes after teams like the Houston Texans, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins or Washington Redskins could have been potential options for general manager Ryan Pace. The team felt it was a good move to trade Marshall, as he has had his issues off the field and he also ended up missing time with injuries.
The team had previously been exploring trades for both Cutler and Marshall, but they only traded the receiver after he had a down season. The Chicago Tribune reports that the team would have released him if they didn't find a deal, but the Jets stepped up and made the move. Marshall had the fewest receptions since his rookie season and now the Bears have the chance to push Alshon Jeffery as a legitimate number one receiver.
Last year the Bears won just five games and the season resulted in Marc Trestman and Phil Emery getting fired. John Fox takes over after his time with the Denver Broncos, while Ryan Pace is the new GM after working with the Saints. The Bears went 5-11, but they have plenty of talent and could bounce back this year.
