Here is the final in an 18-part series examining the Chicago Bears’ unrestricted free agents.
Name: Will Montgomery
Position: Center
Age: 33
NFL experience: 10 years
2015 salary: $950,000
2015 key statistics: Four starts (placed on injured reserve with fractured left tibia on Oct. 5, 2015)
Probability to return: Low
Outlook: 2015 third-round pick Hroniss Grasu is the center of the future. That doesn’t leave much room for veteran Montgomery, who previously played for John Fox in Denver. Matt Slauson is a dependable and proven emergency center in the event Grasu again misses time due to injury in 2016.
Name: Ryan Mundy
Position: Center
Age: 31
NFL experience: Seven years
2015 salary: $1.450 million (base)
2015 key statistics: None (spent entire year on injured reserve with hip injury)
Probability to return: Low
Outlook: Mundy started 16 games for the Bears in 2014, collecting 108 tackles (coaches’ review) and four interceptions. But the new coaching staff clearly preferred Adrian Amos, Antrel Rolle, and even Brock Vereen, at the safety spot last summer. Mundy never seriously challenged for a starting job prior to the club shutting him down. Mundy is a valuable contributor on special teams. He should find work again in the NFL.
Name: Chris Prosinski
Position: Safety
Age: 28
NFL experience: Five years
2015 salary: $613,529
2015 key statistics: 32 tackles (coaches’ review), one sack, one forced fumble (five starts); nine special-teams tackles
Probability to return: Moderate
Outlook: Prosinski did a commendable job given the circumstances last year. He went from street free agent to serious contributor in the span of just under two months. Prosinski found out he was starting only two days prior to the Denver game after Rolle suffered a serious injury during Friday’s practice -- a disturbing theme for the Bears throughout 2015. Prosinski fared reasonably well at safety. And he can play special teams.
Name: Jacquizz Rodgers
Position: Running back
Age: 26
NFL experience: Five years
2015 salary: $745,000
2015 key statistics: 14 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 10 yards; four special-teams tackles (five games)
Probability to return: Moderate
Outlook: Fox and the Bears genuinely liked Rodgers, who is a physical, between-the-tackles runner despite standing only 5-foot-6. Rodgers is also a trusted member of the special teams units, and a powerful blocker. Rodgers’ only drawback (minus the size issue which he cannot control) is that he fails to possess breakaway speed. But Rodgers made a good impression before landing on injured reserve. There is a reasonable chance he rejoins the team in 2016.
Name: Mitch Unrein
Position: Defensive line
Age: 28
NFL experience: Five years
2015 salary: $657,352
2015 key statistics: 33 tackles and one sack (with Chicago and San Diego)
Probability to return: Moderate
Outlook: Unrein played for Fox in Denver. He is fairly active on the defensive line. The Bears have to find more impact defensive lineman, but for a reserve, Unrein is experienced and trustworthy. Fox is all about his guys. Unrein falls in that category. He could be back.