killakrzydav Posted March 15 Report Share Posted March 15 Chicago Bears Notable signings: WR Keenan Allen (trade); CB Jaylon Johnson; RB D’Andre Swift; S Kevin Byard; TE Gerald Everett; C Coleman Shelton; OL Ryan Bates (trade) Notable departures: WR Darnell Mooney; S Eddie Jackson; OL Cody Whitehair; DT Justin Jones The Bears saved their most significant transaction for late in the week. On Thursday, Chicago traded for Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen, adding the six-time Pro Bowler in exchange for a fourth-round pick (No. 110). Allen turns 32 next month and has had trouble staying healthy. He missed seven games with a hamstring strain in 2022 before shoulder and heel issues sidelined him in 2023. Allen isn’t cheap, either: Chicago is currently due to pay him $23.1 million this season, barring a contract restructure. The price and risk are high — but so is the upside. Despite missing time, Allen still ranked 12th in the league with 1,243 receiving yards. He finished with 2.36 yards per route run, the 10th-best in the league and his best mark since 2017. Potentially a perfect complement for incumbent Bears WR D.J. Moore, Allen could become a frequent over-the-middle option for Caleb Williams in 2024. MORE: Best Remaining Free Agents After League Year Begins The Bears had no choice but to extend Johnson after how dominant he was in coverage last season. Chicago got a surprisingly good deal, keeping the second-team All-Pro CB under $20 million annually while crafting a four-year contract that’s really more of a two-year deal upon closer inspection. Signing a veteran like Byard to play alongside third-year safety Jaquan Brisker makes sense, as does adding interior line options. But the Bears’ decision to give Swift $14 million guaranteed, despite the presence of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson and a deep free agent RB market, was puzzling. Grade: A- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adam Posted March 15 Report Share Posted March 15 Once they replace Ngakoue and Jones on the D-Line, they are basically done with any signings above vet minimums. I would say this is a high B or low A like PFF. I like how the contracts worked out. I hope they can extend Allen for a few years to lower the cap hit this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stinger226 Posted March 15 Report Share Posted March 15 I'm not sure they have the money to get two Prime vets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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