The Chicago Bears have been among the most active teams in free agency over the past three years, ranking first in the NFL in total signings and fifth in total contract value. Here’s a look at how those decisions have panned out on the field:
Total signings: *55 (first in the NFL)
Total contract value: $301,681,765 (fifth in the NFL)
Three-year W-L: 14-34
Biggest hit: Former Bears general manager Phil Emery’s move to pluck Willie Young away from division rival Detroit. Young, who originally signed a three-year, $9 million contract in 2014, posted a career-high 10 sacks as a 4-3 defensive end his first year in Chicago. A torn Achilles tendon delayed Young’s transition to 3-4 outside linebacker the following season. But Young eventually bounced back, registering 6.5 sacks at his new position. Chicago’s new front office rewarded Young with an extension last summer, and he went on to appear in 15 games for the Bears in 2016, leading the club with 7.5 sacks. Keep in mind, Young didn't become a full-time starter until his final year with the Lions (2013). Young had six sacks over four seasons in Detroit. In Chicago, Young has 24 sacks in three years.
Biggest miss: Giving Jay Cutler $54 million guaranteed after the 2013 season. The Bears had an opportunity to let Cutler walk, sign Josh McCown, and truly begin the process of finding their quarterback of the future. McCown, coming off a great year in 2013, would’ve been a great mentor for a young quarterback. Instead, Chicago was handcuffed to Cutler for three more seasons (until the guarantee money ran out), never found a suitable replacement, and the rest is history. There have been plenty of questionable moves in free agency the past three years -- Lamarr Houston, Pernell McPhee, Eddie Royal, Antrel Rolle, etc. -- but none as damaging as the Cutler decision.
Sneaky-good move: Defensive end Akiem Hicks was a steal last year, signing for only two years, $10 million ($5.5 million guaranteed). Hicks, formerly of the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, had a breakout season with 53 tackles, seven sacks and two forced fumbles. Hicks’ play was so dominant in Chicago’s 26-6 victory over San Francisco in Week 13 that he won NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. At just 27 years old, Hicks figures to be in Chicago beyond his current contract.
Verdict: The Bears’ record (14-34) over three years speaks for itself. Chicago’s endured more misses than hits in free agency, although the 2016 free agent class of Hicks, Danny Trevathan (injured) and Jerrell Freeman is promising. Since Emery left after 2014, the Bears exercise more caution in free agency, but that hasn’t translated to more success. The key is for McPhee to have a big year in 2017 -- if that’s even possible because of his knee condition. But if McPhee is reduced to only a part-time player the rest of his career, then that signing ($15.5 million guaranteed) will have been a waste. McPhee is general manager Ryan Pace’s most significant investment to date. The Bears are top five in available salary cap space in 2017, but if the past couple years are any indication, Bears fans should brace themselves for a mixed bag in free agency.
*Signings made during free agency period beginning in March.