UA-59049186-1 2016 Chicago Bears Preview: Free Agent Signings - Good if it Goes

2016 Chicago Bears Preview: Free Agent Signings

ILB Danny Trevathan comes over from Denver to shore up the middle for the Monsters of the Midway. Trevathan possesses great instincts and is adept at defending both the run and the pass. Though he no longer has Von Miller on the field with him, he should have another very good season.

Playing alongside Trevathan on the inside will be Jerrell Freeman, who moves a couple hours north after four seasons in Indianapolis. Freeman possesses many of the same skills Trevathan does, though a half-step or so back as a player. With those two signings, Ryan Pace turned one of the team’s biggest weaknesses from a year ago into a strong point.

DE Akiem Hicks comes to Chicago after spending last season with the Saints and Patriots. Hicks has a good burst and has shown himself to be a handful for opposing linemen.

OT Bobby Massie comes to Chicago from Arizona, where a year ago, he was fine, though not outstanding or anything. Massie’s a good run blocker and okay in the passing game. At the very least, he should be a capable RT, thus allowing Kyle Long to move back to RG.

OG Amini Silatolu came into the league in 2012 with plenty of potential. He looked to be on track during his rookie year, but ever since then, he’s struggled to stay healthy. Hopefully he can in Chicago. If he’s able to, the Bears may have something in the former 2nd-round pick of the Panthers.

TE Tony Moeaki has bounced around quite a bit in recent years. Though the TE position is a bit thin, I wouldn’t hold my breath on the hometown product.

A TE that may have a chance of making the team and contributing is Ben Braunecker. The undrafted free agent has all the tools to make it in the NFL, good as both a receiver and a blocker. However, at Harvard, he didn’t play against much top-level talent. How he adjusts to the NFL is the question with him.

OL Ted Larsen figures to be the starting center after the season-ending injury to Hroniss Grasu. Larsen’s been steady everywhere he’s been, but don’t expect Pro Bowl-type play.

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com

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