13 2012 NFL Free Agents the Chicago Bears Must Pursue
Published by Timothy Hockemeyer on January 5, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
Ladies and gentlemen, it is never too early to begin discussing who the Bears should target once free agency opens in 2012. The season is over for Chicago. Changes in management are taking place. So let’s take a look at some of the changes in personnel that Chicago should be considering.
There are several areas of need, and unlike the draft, where the top philosophies all seem to use the best-player-available approach, free agency is a place to pinpoint needs and fill holes.
While the Bears have fewer actual holes than most will give them credit for, there are plenty of places where depth is a concern and even more places where competition would be ideal to advance the development of a young player or move him out of the way.
Offensive tackle is one place the Bears need to consider bringing in a veteran to create competition. The spot feature two young tackles that really have no competition to push them as the Bear have no true offensive tackles in reserve.
Defensive end is one spot that the Bears should consider a hole. While Peppers is a monster and might be the best in the game at his position, Israel Idonije just wasn’t able to capitalize on the havoc that Peppers and 3-tech Henry Melton create. An upgrade should be considered a necessity.
Competition in the secondary is also a necessity, as Charles Tillman ages and the players behind him on the depth chart struggle to take the next step. The safety spot has some nice young talent, but a veteran in the mix to push their development would be ideal.
And, of course, wide receiver is a serious issue. One good receiver could change the dynamic of the whole unit. It’s time the Bears stopped screwing around and provide that top-tier receiver.
On with the free agents the Bears should pursue.
