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5 Ways Chicago Bears Can Fill Void Left By Ray McDonald

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5 Ways Chicago Bears Can Fill Void Left by Ray McDonald

San Francisco 49ers-Ray McDonald3
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears made major headlines in the NFL even before organized team activities (OTAs) could get underway by releasing defensive end Ray McDonald after an arrest for misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangerment. With a major void along Chicago’s defensive line, the Bears are left with the dilemma of what to do at defensive end. Here are five possibilities Chicago can consider.

5. Sign Free Agent During OTAs or Training Camp

Chicago Bears-Austen Lane
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

5. Sign Free Agent During OTAs or Training Camp

Chicago Bears-Austen Lane
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the pool of free agent defensive ends is pretty shallow, the Bears can always look to players who are on the street for much-needed depth along the defensive line. No free agent is good enough to be a starter for Chicago, but they could bring back recently released linemen Trevor Scott or Austen Lane.

4. Jeremiah Ratliff Could Move To Defensive End

Chicago Bears-Jeremiah Ratliff
Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeremiah Ratliff Could Move To Defensive End

Chicago Bears-Jeremiah Ratliff
Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Despite turning 34 before the start of the regular season, Jeremiah Ratliff is athletic enough to move from nose tackle to defensive end. However, doing so will leave the Bears with rookie Eddie Goldman as the team’s only nose tackle.

3. Put Lamarr Houston Back At Defensive End

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston vs Eagles
Getty Images

3. Put Lamarr Houston Back At Defensive End

Chicago Bears-Lamarr Houston vs Eagles
Getty Images

Assuming that he comes back at 100 percent after reconstructive knee surgery, Lamarr Houston could be a prime candidate to replace McDonald. Houston’s 6-foot-3, 300-pound frame is big enough to help stop the run and free up space for Bears outside linebackers to rush on the edge. Currently, Houston is slated to be an outside linebacker.

2. Give Will Sutton a Chance

Chicago Bears-Will Sutton
Getty Images

2. Give Will Sutton a Chance

Chicago Bears-Will Sutton
Getty Images

Just like Houston, second-year defensive lineman Will Sutton possesses the size to play defensive end in the Bears’ new-look 3-4 alignment. Better known as a three-technique defensive tackle, Sutton can use those same skills as a defensive end in the 3-4.

1. Pernell McPhee Could Move To Defensive End

Baltimore Ravens-Pernell McPhee
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

1. Pernell McPhee Could Move To Defensive End

Baltimore Ravens-Pernell McPhee
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Pernell McPhee was Chicago’s prize free-agent signing this offseason. While playing for the Baltimore Ravens, McPhee was productive not only as an outside linebacker, but also as a defensive end and nose tackle. With much depth at outside linebacker, the Bears probably could afford to try McPhee at defensive end.

Clyde A. Speller is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter
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