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.
Which Bears players are due to become free agents this offseason?
Scott H.
Take a look at the 17 Bears players officially slated to become unrestricted free agents when the NFL's free agency period begins on Wednesday. (Last updated 3/13)
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The Bears have 26 players who are due to become free agents. Those in the unrestricted category are Sam Acho, Prince Amukamara, Tom Compton, Benny Cunningham, Sherrick McManis, Zach Miller, Pat O'Donnell, Bradley Sowell, Mitch Unrein, Kendall Wright, Andrew DePaola, Kyle Fuller, Lamarr Houston, Dontrelle Inman, John Jenkins, Christian Jones, Mike Nugent, Mark Sanchez and Cairo Santos. Restricted free agents are Joshua Bellamy, Bryce Callahan, Cameron Meredith, John Timu and Daniel Brown. Patrick Scales is an exclusive free agent. Here's a breakdown of the categories: Unrestricted free agents have completed four or more accrued NFL seasons and are free to sign with any club with no draft choice compensation owed to their previous team. Restricted free agents have completed three accrued seasons and can sign an offer sheet with another NFL club, but their original team has the right to match it or receive draft pick compensation. Exclusive free agents have completed fewer than three accrued seasons and can only negotiate with their current team.
Where did the Chiefs rank in important offensive categories this past season with Matt Nagy as their coordinator?
Ryan G.
Elmwood Park, Illinois
The Chiefs ranked in the top-10 in the NFL in several statistical categories this season. They were fifth in total yards, second in yards per play, ninth in rushing yards, first in rushing yards per attempt, seventh in passing yards, sixth in passing yards per play, third in interception percentage, 10th in first downs and sixth in scoring.
When was the last time a new Bears head coach retained an offensive or defensive coordinator like Matt Nagy did with Vic Fangio?
Josh A.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
It hasn't happened since 1982 when Mike Ditka retained Buddy Ryan after several members of the Bears defense led by safety Gary Fencik wrote a letter to team owner George Halas imploring him to keep Ryan, the architect of the "46" defense. While Ditka and Ryan famously feuded, they worked together to lead the famed 1985 Bears to a Super Bowl championship.
