Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
Are the Bears going to be awarded any compensatory draft picks this year for losing Alshon Jeffery in free agency?
Thomas L.
Burr Ridge, Illinois
The Bears were not given any compensatory picks this year. Last Friday the NFL announced that it had awarded 32 picks to 15 different teams. The Bengals, Cowboys and Packers were given the most with four apiece. While the Bears did lose receiver Alshon Jeffery in free agency as you mentioned, they also signed several players and the compensatory picks are awarded based on a net loss of free agents. So that's why the Bears didn't receive any extra draft choices.
It's no secret that the Bears need to address their receiver position this offseason in free agency and/or the draft. So who will be some of the top players available?
Sid P.
Clayton, Missouri
At this point, it's unclear exactly which receivers will be available in free agency. The Dolphins placed a franchise tag on Jarvis Landry, while the Jaguars and Rams could soon do the same with Allen Robinson and Sammy Watkins, respectively. That would leave the Cardinals' John Brown, the Jaguars' Marqise Lee, the Colts' Donte Moncrief, the Redskins' Terrelle Pryor and the Seahawks' Paul Richardson as the top free-agent receivers. In terms of the draft, most analysts rank Alabama's Calvin Ridley as the top player at the position, while other intriguing prospects include SMU's Courtland Sutton and Oklahoma State's James Washington.
Of the Bears' free agents, which one do you think is the most important one to re-sign?
John G.
Wauconda, Illinois
The most accomplished player among the free agents-to-be is clearly cornerback Kyle Fuller, who had a resurgent 2017 season after missing the entire previous year following knee surgery. In fact, Fuller is ranked 10th on NFL.com's list of the top free agents in the NFL and there isn't another Bears player listed until fellow cornerback Prince Amukamara at No. 48. In terms of re-signing Fuller, the Bears can ink him to a long-term extension or place a franchise tag on him. I'm sure they would like to have him back, but only at a fair price. In my opinion, Fuller had a nice season and is adept at breaking up passes and supporting the run, but he needs to make more plays on the ball to be considered among the elite cornerbacks in the NFL.
