3 Low-Cost Free Agents the Bears Should Sign This Offseason

After a successful 2018 season in which they were NFC North champions, the Chicago Bears took a step backwards. They were still a tough team on a weekly basis, finishing 8-8, but obvious positional needs kept them from getting over the hump and putting together a winning record this year.

The Bears sit at home watching the playoffs, preparing for changes that need to be made if they want to be playing at this time next year. The changes will start with the free agency period, then the remaining holes will be addressed in the draft. These are three low-cost upcoming free agents that would make the Bears better.

1. Charles Clay, TE, Arizona Cardinals

Charles Clay only saw 24 targets this season. / Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Charles Clay was essentially left stranded in the desert, playing on an Arizona Cardinals team that rarely utilized tight ends last season. He saw only 24 targets in 2019, but Clay is just two years removed from having 70+ targets for 500+ yards for five seasons in a row. Clay is the cheap veteran that has shown upside as a real receiving threat at tight end.

2. Bruce Irvin, DE, Carolina Panthers

Bruce Irvin totaled 8.5 sacks with the Panthers this season. / Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The Bears could use another solid edge rusher to help solidify the defense, and teaming Bruce Irvin back up with Khalil Mack could be a great option. The 32-year-old spent this past season with the Carolina Panthers, where he totaled 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits in 13 games. He has at least 5.5 sacks in all but one season in his career, which was back in 2013.

3. Case Keenum, QB, Washington Redskins

Case Keenum threw 10 touchdowns to five interceptions in eight starts this season. / Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images

The Bears are adamant about sticking with Mitchell Trubisky as the Week 1 starter next season, but he will likely be on a shorter leash than he was this year. Bringing in a veteran backup should be a priority if the Bears want to remain in playoff contention in the event of continued struggles from Trubisky, and Chase Daniels could be an option if he doesn't re-sign with the Washington Redskins. Keenum had solid moments with Washington this season and he has shown success in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings in the past, and if called upon he could be the kind of game manager the Bears may need to protect the football while they lean on their strong defense.

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