Grading the Chicago Bears’ Major Free Agent and Trade Acquisitions
Published by Brett Lyons on August 3, 2011
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have been one of the busiest teams in free agency since the NFL Lockout ended a week and a half ago. Since last Monday, the Bears have over 50 new players on the roster who have never met with coaches or seen playbooks until now.
The winds of change are blowing in the Windy City. Mike Martz’s offensive scheme is being fully constructed, the defensive line is undergoing a face lift and depth charts are already being constructed.
Lots of transactions have been associated with these changes. Free agent signings, draft pick signings, trades and re-signings have kept the Bears front office very busy.
Chicago had an estimated $34 million of cap room to prepare for the season ahead. With a significant amount of money like that to play with, the Bears had the possibility to go after any player they wished. There was plenty of wiggle room in the team’s salary to make deals.
Some signings were obvious needs while others made fans scratch their heads. Did Chicago do well retaining its own restricted free agents and replace the ones lost to other franchises?
Let’s examine the major transactions made up to date in detail and see how exactly the move will impact the 2011 Chicago Bears:
