Windy City Gridiron
In our second installment of potential fits with the new coaching staff, we’ll dive into a pool of players that are set to hit the free agent market next month.
In our first installment, we covered potential cut candidates that could be deemed fit under the new coaching staff. The Chicago Bears are projected to have the seventh-highest amount of “effective cap space” (including getting the roster to 51 players and accounting for their draft class). Over The Cap also has the Bears with the sixth most cap space when it comes to restructuring potential. Simply put, Chicago will be able to do whatever they want.
More importantly, with a new coaching staff comes new needs. Head coach Ben Johnson, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and their assistants should have input into how general manager Ryan Poles approaches this offseason. Especially with a new staff taking over, fit and familiarity can be necessary at the start of a new tenure. That’s why we’ll dive deeper into potential free agent fits for the Bears in March.
WR Tim Patrick (Detroit Lions)
The 31-year-old spent the first six years of his career in Denver. Despite a good first four years in Denver, he missed the 2022 and 2023 seasons with two significant injuries. He was released from the Broncos and eventually caught in with Johnson in Detroit. Patrick played 16 games with nine starts. Although his numbers weren’t overly impressive (33 receptions for 394 yards and three touchdowns), he showed he still has something left in the tank.
Patrick would be a valuable piece for Johnson, especially with his existing knowledge of the offense. He won’t command big money or a long-term deal. He could even be paired with someone like Kalif Raymond or Josh Reynolds if one was cut and signed in Chicago.
Projected Contract: One year, $3 million ($2.065 million guaranteed)
OG Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions)
My gut tells me that the Bears will target long-term solutions in free agency along the offensive line. With names like Trey Smith, Will Fries, and Mekhi Becton headlining the group of young names at guard, Zeitler would likely settle in as a Plan B. Even at 35, the veteran posted PFF’s third-best grade for a guard and played over 1,000 snaps. Chicago could do much worse than someone like Zeitler as a backup plan.
Projected Contract: One year, $6.25 million (Fully guaranteed)
iOL Evan Brown (Arizona Cardinals)
Brown departed in free agency last year after spending three years in Detroit as their super-sub on the interior. He has signed back-to-back one-year deals with Seattle and Arizona, and the 28-year-old might have to settle for another one-year pact. Brown is a little small but has guard-center versatility. It’s easy to assume that Brown would be a backup option at center, but they could do much worse than adding someone who can compete with a rookie and provide good pass protection. Fans can expect a contract similar to that of...
