NFL Chicago Bears

5 Recently Released Veterans Chicago Bears Should Target

5 Recently Released Veterans the Bears Should Target

Arizona Cardinals-Ted Ginn Jr2
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With free agency quickly approaching, many NFL teams have made salary cap room by releasing some big-name veterans. The Chicago Bears are one of many teams that can benefit from such recent departures this offseason. Here’s five veterans who the Bears should keep an eye on.

5. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals-Darnell Dockett
Getty Images

5. Darnell Dockett, DT, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals-Darnell Dockett
Getty Images

Despite missing the 2014 season with a torn ACL, defensive end Darnell Dockett could give Chicago depth on the defensive line, and some much-needed experience in their 3-4 defensive alignment. However, there is a possibility that the 11-year veteran could return with the Arizona Cardinals.

4. Barry Cofield, NT, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins-Barry Cofield
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

4. Barry Cofield, NT, Washington Redskins

Washington Redskins-Barry Cofield
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Just like Dockett, Barry Cofield was slowed down by injury in 2014, but can bring size to the Bears’ defensive interior. Assuming that the 10-year veteran bounces back strong from his ailing ankle, Cofield could add solidarity in the trenches in Chicago's attempt to revamp its defense.

3. Ted Ginn Jr., KR/PR, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals-Ted Ginn Jr
Getty Images

3. Ted Ginn Jr., KR/PR, Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals-Ted Ginn Jr
Getty Images

Defense wasn’t the only phase that the Bears struggled in during the 2014 season. The performance by Chicago’s special teams unit was the worst fans have seen in several years. Kick return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. could be that instant spark that the Bears have been missing since the departure of Devin Hester.

2. Kendall Langford, DT, St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams-Kendall Langford
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kendall Langford, DT, St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams-Kendall Langford
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Although Kendall Langford is more accustomed to playing in a 4-3 alignment, his size (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) and strength could still be a great fit for the Bears at nose tackle. Even if that doesn’t work, Langford could possibly fill in at defensive end.

1. A.J. Hawk, ILB, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers-A.J. Hawk
Getty Images

1. A.J. Hawk, ILB, Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers-A.J. Hawk
Getty Images

The one player who can help the Bears out the most is A.J. Hawk. The 10-year veteran would be a great mentor to Chicago’s young, under-experienced linebackers. More importantly, Hawk would be the perfect person to help the Bears game plan against the team that has dominated the NFC North for the past four years, the Green Bay Packers.

Share Tweet