Chicago Bears Free Agency 2015: Tracking Signings and Rumored Contracts
Published by Joseph Zucker on March 9, 2015
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have kept themselves busy this offseason.
First, they fired Marc Trestman and replaced him with John Fox. Then, they added Adam Gase as the new offensive coordinator. Chicago also has a new general manger in Ryan Pace, who took over for Phil Emery.
In terms of on-field personnel, the Bears made waves when they dealt Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets. That led to questions about Jay Cutler‘s future. Pace and Fox aren’t wasting time putting their stamp on the team.
The Bears promise to be active in the free-agent market.
Continue below for the most recent updates regarding their offseason business.
Bears Sign Antrel Rolle to Three-Year Deal
Wednesday, March 11
The Bears announced that they’ve reached a three-year agreement with Rolle. Pro Football Talk reported that the contract is worth $11.25 million with $5 million guaranteed.
Rolle will provide an aging yet versatile presence on the back of Chicago’s defense. Last season with the New York Giants he racked up 87 tackles and three interceptions while also forcing a fumble.
Biggs: Bears Land Eddie Royal
Wednesday, March 11
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune confirmed a report that the Bears and Royal have agreed to a three-year deal.
Royal won’t necessarily replace Marshall’s presence on the outside of Chicago’s offense, but he was productive in San Diego last season by racking up 62 catches, 778 yards and seven touchdowns.
Bears Officially Land Pernell McPhee
Wednesday, March 11
The Bears officially announced the five-year deal with the former Ravens pass-rusher.
Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun first reported early details of McPhee’s contract with the Bears:
Ravens veteran outside linebacker Pernell McPhee is joining the Chicago Bears on a five-year contract worth nearly $40 million, according to league sources.
The deal includes nearly $16 million in guaranteed money, according to a source.
Bears Pursuing Terrance Knighton
Sunday, March 8
According to ESPN’s Josina Anderson, the Bears are one of at least four teams showing “serious interest” in free-agent defensive tackle Terrance Knighton.
“I want the process to happen pretty quickly,” Knighton told Anderson. “Once the market opens I’m going to decide which one I have the strongest interest in, and move strategically with potential visits from there and not waste my time.”
Defensive tackle should be near the top of Chicago’s wish list, whether it targets an experienced veteran such as Knighton or an incoming rookie such as Danny Shelton. The Bears gave up an average of 112.4 yards on the ground last year and finished with the 21st-ranked run defense in the league, according to Football Outsiders.
ESPN.com’s Jeff Dickerson thinks Knighton might be the best fit given his past experience with Fox:
It’s equally important for the Bears to fill the locker room with high-character individuals who possess a certain level of familiarity with the new coaching staff, especially with Fox. A veteran player such as Knighton knows exactly how Fox handles his business and what the head coach expects from the players. Knighton could theoretically pass that information along to the rest of the locker room, helping to create a much better working environment in Lake Forest.
The 28-year-old is coming off a season in which he amassed two sacks and 33 tackles. If Chicago can land him, it would seriously strengthen the interior of the defensive line.
Chris Conte Confirms Departure
Saturday, March 7
Veteran defensive back Chris Conte confirmed he won’t return to the Bears in 2015, per David Schuster of WSCR Radio in Chicago.
Conte has played four years with the Bears, becoming a fixture in the secondary. He’s started 52 games for the team but has often found himself hampered by one injury or another.
In an interview with WBBM Newsradio in Chicago, via ESPN.com, the 26-year-old somewhat famously said playing in the NFL is worth potentially dying at an earlier age:
As far as after football, who knows. My life will revolve around football to some point, but I’d rather have the experience of playing and, who knows, die 10, 15 years earlier than not be able to play in the NFL and live a long life. It’s something I’ve wanted to do with my life and I wanted to accomplish. And I pretty much set my whole life up to accomplish that goal. So I don’t really look toward my life after football because I’ll figure things out when I get there and see how I am.
During his four years in Chicago, Conte intercepted nine passes and defended another 21. He’ll likely have some serious interest from teams once he hits the open market. Yahoo Sports’ Rand Getlin thinks the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be in the mix:
While Conte‘s play on the field never went above and beyond the call of duty, he’ll leave a hole in the Bears defense.
Bears Re-Sign Jimmy Clausen
Friday, March 6
Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Bears re-signed Jimmy Clausen to a one-year deal.
“I’m really excited to be back here and get a jump-start on this upcoming season,” said Clausen regarding the deal, per Larry Mayer of the Bears’ official website. “There’s a lot of energy going on in this building and I’m really excited for what’s to come.”
Clausen started one game for Chicago last year and appeared in another three. He went 26-of-48 for 223 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He’ll almost certainly only see the field in the event Cutler gets hurt in 2015, but it’s nice to have a backup with experience under center in the NFL.
Campbell also mentioned that the Bears were looking at a reunion with Josh McCown, who ultimately signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Lance Briggs’ Bears Career Reportedly Over
Thursday, March 5
After 12 years, Lance Briggs looks to be done in Chicago. Jen Lada of CSN Chicago reported the Bears don’t plan to re-sign the 34-year-old linebacker.
The decision wouldn’t be all that shocking. Although Briggs is second in franchise history in tackles, he’s played 17 games over the past two years, and his best days are behind him.
Trading Brandon Marshall didn’t indicate the Bears are in a complete rebuild, but it showed the franchise isn’t afraid to part with high-priced veterans.
As CBSSports.com’s Tom Fornelli tweeted, it will be hard to watch Briggs leave given everything he accomplished in Chicago:
Briggs is a seven-time Pro Bowler and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2005. While his last two seasons have been largely forgettable, some playoff contender will likely look to add him in the hopes he can have a Julius Peppers-like renaissance.
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