NFL.com analyst Chris Wesseling has given the Bears an "A-" grade for their performance thus far in free agency.
 |
| Inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman joins the Bears after spending the last four seasons with the Colts. |
"After hitting a home run with outside linebacker Pernell McPhee last offseason, Pace upgraded at inside linebacker this time around, adding the dynamic duo of Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. The Bears also signed Akiem Hicks away from the Patriots to bolster the defensive line. This is a defense on the rise.
"On the other side of the ball, Pace finally found a taker for disgruntled tight end Martellus Bennett, picking up a fourth-round pick from New England. Re-signing Zach Miller on the heels of a breakout season made that deal easier for Bears fans to swallow."
In addition to the aforementioned moves, the Bears have also added tackle Bobby Massie (Cardinals) and long-snapper Aaron Brewer (Broncos), and re-signed cornerbacks Tracy Porter and Sherrick McManis, receiver Marc Mariani, running back Jacquizz Rodgers, tight end Rob Housler, defensive lineman Mitch Unrein and offensive lineman Nick Becton.
The Bears were one of six teams that earned an "A" from Wesseling. The others are the Eagles (A ), Cardinals (A), Jaguars (A), Falcons (A-) and Raiders (A-).
