Darren Sharper: As a Free Agent, A Move To the Chicago Bears Makes Sense
Published by Ryan Cook on March 8, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
It’s come as a surprise to me that the New Orleans Saints have taken their time to re-sign their trusty full safety Darren Sharper, who only a season ago was one of the leading causes in the Saints’ Super Bowl victory.
However, although New Orleans may suffer, suddenly a large sum of money hangs over the head of Darren Sharper, as the rest of the league clicks into fifth gear and tries to think of an ingenious way to gain the defensive powerhouse.
It may not come easily, but the Chicago Bears are leading the pack at the moment. According to NFL.com , four teams (Miami, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, and of course the Chicago Bears) are in the hunt for Sharper, and the pickings are slim.
Sure, either one of these four teams could really do with a safety that is as talented as Sharper, but who is willing to pay the $30 or $40 million that comes with signing No. 42? Well it’s simple, Chicago is up for it.
Okay, so they did just blow a hefty sum of money that some folks may not even deem imaginable, but the Bears do have some money stored behind the scenes that I am sure they will be more than willing to pay should the opportunity arise.
More importantly, though, is the impact that Darren Sharper would have on defense.
Even on paper, I’m already intimidated to think about some of the destruction that the Bears will cause this year. Julius Peppers, Brian Urlacher and possibly Darren Sharper? Well, it’s safe to say that the NFC North will be heating up.
Another simple fact that has been left unnoticed recently is Lovie Smith’s head coaching job.
With signings left, right, and center, it seems the hot seat has cooled down, and the pressure has been lifted off the shoulders of the once-questioned head coach. With Darren Sharper possibly making an appearance in orange and blue, Lovie may be at the helm for a few good years.
As for the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers, the time hasn’t come to panic; but the time has come to realize that the Bears are back.
No longer will Chicago be the same cakewalk team that they have been in the past couple of years, and no longer will they have an offense that is easier to pick off than Brett Favre in a Wrangler Jeans commercial.
With the Sharper signing still up in the air, the draft is fast approaching. Chicago isn’t too likely to scrape up well during the beginning of April, but it’s not like they really need to.
Stand back 1985 Bears—the 2010 Chicago defense is going to give you a run for your money. Let’s just hope Jay Cutler can get his act together, and everything runs smoothly. With Darren Sharper in the picture though, the glue will be setting fast.
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