Chicago Bears Free Agency: Why the Bears Should Avoid Jeremy Mincey
Published by Michael Gibbons on March 14, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
While I am a big fan of the Chicago Bears going after Mario Williams, it sounds like they have their eyes on another defensive end. Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune:
Bears trying to sign a DE, but it’s not Mario Williams.It’s former Jaguar Jeremy Mincey.
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) March 13, 2012
Jeremy Mincey was a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2006. After bouncing around from the Patriots to the 49ers, he ended up signing with the Jaguars late in late-2006.
He made is pro debut in 2007 and since then has played in 40 games, racking up 103 tackles and 15 sacks. Mincey also has four forced fumbles, four pass deflections, and an interception for his career.
At first glance the 28-year-old is coming off a career season, registering eight sacks, and might be a good fit opposite Julius Peppers at a price much cheaper than Williams.
However, usually what you get is what you pay for, and that would be the case with Mincey.
A closer look at his numbers show that five of his eight sacks came in two games against the Colts last season. That means in the other 14 games he only collected three sacks—not really the consistent pressure Chicago is looking for.
The Bears would be better off bringing off bringing back Israel Idonije.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mincey is the 12th-rated 4-3 defensive end in the league. Take that for what it’s worth, but the same rankings have Peppers ranked only seventh.
If the Bears do miss out on Williams, I would much rather have them focus on drafting a defensive end rather then waste cap space on someone like Mincey.
After GM Phil Emery did such a great job acquiring Brandon Marshall and signing Jason Campbell, it would be a big disappoint if he followed those moves with adding Mincey to the mix.
-UPDATE: Mincey has re-signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a four-year, $27.2 million deal.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @dachicagofan, and check out my weekly Bears podcast every Monday on my site The MG Experience.
Read more Chicago Bears news on BleacherReport.com
