The Bears’ bid to rebuild their defense on the fly to complement one of the NFL’s highest-scoring offenses is starting at the top of the free-agent class.
Multiple sources indicate they are in play for Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, the older brother of Bears tight end Martellus Bennett, and one of the two best pass rushers on the market.
Several agents indicated Saturday, when the negotiating window opened, was mostly a feeling out process. It is going to be a long ride to 3 p.m. Tuesday when teams can put contracts in front of free agents to sign and a lot could change over what amounts to almost three full days for number crunching and smoke screens.
Bennett and the Bengals’ Michael Johnson are considered the top defensive ends on the market. Bennett, who won a Super Bowl ring with the Seahawks playing on a $4.8 million, one-year contract, was more productive during 2013. If the Bears were to add Bennett, he likely would play right end and that could signal the end of a four-year run for Julius Peppers.
Johnson is drawing considerable interest but the Bears’ focus is said to be on Bennett, who had 81/2 sacks last season after posting nine the year before with the Buccaneers. STATS credits him with 661/2 quarterback knockdowns and hurries over the last two seasons. Sources indicated Lovie Smiths Buccaneers are pushing hard to sign Johnson.
The Seahawks have expressed a desire to retain him and released defensive lineman Red Bryant and wide receiver Sidney Rice to provide more cap and cash flexibility. Bennett also has expressed a desire to return to Seattle but he’s heading to the open market where cash often is king.
Early Saturday afternoon, Michael Bennett’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, wrote on Twitter: “What a difference a year makes! Free agency will be a lot better this year.”
What else would Rosenhaus say, though? That may be the case but above all Rosenhaus wants to create the perception bidding is intense. The agent then delivered a $39 million, four-year contract for cornerback Sam Shields to keep him with the Packers, a strong deal considering the repressed market for players at the position in free agency a year ago.
The Bears filled their top needs in free agency last year when they signed left tackle Jermon Bushrod and Martellus Bennett.
They also are believed are be looking at defensive tackles though general manager Phil Emery has made it clear he would like to bring back Henry Melton. The first round of the NFL draft could provide options too.
Right now, the Bears are not expected to be in the game for a high-priced safety but anything could happen between now and Tuesday afternoon.
Sources indicate the Bears have expressed interest in safeties Mike Mitchell of the Panthers and Ryan Mundy of the Giants.
The Panthers want to keep Mitchell, who the Bears were interested in drafting when the Raiders selected him in the second round in 2009. The 26-year-old, 6-foot, 210 pound Mitchell, had four interceptions, 31/2 sacks (both career highs) and 66 tackles for the Panthers last season.
The 6-1, 209-pound Mundy made nine starts for the Giants last season after spending the previous four years with the Steelers. He would bring a physical presence to the secondary.
With plenty of time for window shopping, Emery and the Bears will be able to assess their plan in the early stages and determine if it needs to be adjusted.
bmbiggs@tribune.com
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