By: Kevin Anderson
After another loosing season in 2009, the Bears showed how many holes they have to fill in order to become the elite team they were only three years ago when they made the trip to Miami for the Super Bowl.
The Bears have to address the safety position, defensive end, defensive tackle, offensive guard, running back and wide receiver. They need a good quality back-up running back to compliment Matt Forte and another WR to go along with the young group they have in place. Offensive guard and defensive end are the team’s biggest needs.
Here is my list of potential free agent pick-ups the Bears could go after:
- Julius Peppers, DE, Carolina Panthers
- The Bears would strike gold with this soon-to-be free agent. The Panthers
have said they will let Peppers test the free agent market, after placing the franchise tag on him two years in a row. In 2009, Peppers had 10.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions. Only problem with Peppers is his desire to play in a 3-4 defense, not the cover-2 4-3 the Bears currently run.
- Other potential signs: Kyle Vander Bosch, DE, Titans; Re-sign Adewale Ogunleye
- Brandon Marshall, WR, Denver Broncos
- Bears fans and Jay Cutler would love for the Bears to make a move to get Marshall. Marshall caught over 100 passes in 2009 for the third year in a row and has established himself as one of the elite young WR’s in the game. His maturity will always come into question, but I think he proved he can play the game and keep his mouth shut like he did all season in 2009. The only problem for the Bears picking up Marshall is he is due to become a RESTRICTED free agent, which means the Bears will probably have to pony up a lot to get him back with his favorite QB.
- Other potential signs: Isaac Bruce, WR, San Francisco; Steve Breaston, WR, Arizona Cardinals; Antonio Bryant, WR, Tampa Bay Bucs
- Larry Johnson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
- With Matt Forte being injured for the majority of the 09’ season and not performing like expected, the Bears should go after the former pro-bowler Larry Johnson. During his brief stint with the Bengals, Johnson showed he still can play ball and a combination of Johnson and Forte sounds like a great duo. This is a big year for free agent running backs, but Johnson is the one who would fit best with sharing carries.
- Other potential signs: Chris Brown, RB, Houston Texans; Ahman Green, RB, Green Bay Packers
- Bobbie Williams, OG, Cincinnati Bengals
- Williams is one of the best run blocking guards in the NFL. He is 33 years old, but still made holes for Cedric Benson (ugh) all year long. This is a very weak year for OL free agents and Williams is the best of the crop.
- Other Potential Signs: Chad Clifton, OT, Green Bay Packers; Logan Mankins, OG, New England Patriots
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