The Bears have signed Lamarr Houston. The Defensive end from Oakland inked a deal worth five years and $35 million.
Of all the Chicago Bears free agents, Julius Peppers and Michael Bennett were the biggest in importance. Bennett was the number one target, but that’s over now. Time to look at plan B for Defensive Ends. And in order to spend your way out of last place on defense, it’s going to require restructuring Peppers, or just outright release. He’s signed, but the Bears can’t do much more moving forward without first doing something about his albatross of a contract.
Chicago Bears free agents DE
With Bennett, Michael Johnson and Everson Griffen all off the board, it was pretty much Robert Ayers of the Broncos and Lamarr Houston of the Raiders. And the Bears got Lamarr Houston for $15 million guaranteed, and $20 million non-guaranteed. Corey Wootton has hit the open market, and it’s doubtful he’ll return. Unless he convinces the Bears that he’s recovered from hip surgery. Releasing Peppers frees up $9.8 million in cap space, but leaves $8.4 million in dead weight on the books. Good luck trying to trade him. No one wants that contract.
Lamarr Houston means the Bears actually have a real starting Defensive End now; something they desperately need by May.
Chicago Bears free agents DT
Henry Melton will test the waters. The top targets are the Giants Linval Joseph, the Texans Earl Mitchell and the Cowboys Jason Hatcher. Arthur Jones of the Ravens was a top prize, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, there’s a lot of teams in the mix for these guys too.
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