In what seems to be a never-ending off-season for the Chicago Bears, Jerry Angelo brought a familiar face back to the Bears' secondary and gutted the Panther defense for another starter by trading for veteran strong safety Chris Harris. Harris was the odd man out three years ago in a crowded Chicago secondary and was dealt to the Carolina Panthers for a fifth round pick. Harris broke the news on his twitter account, saying goodbye to Carolina but later back-pedaled when he learned the trade wasn't "official" yet. It has since been finalized by the NFL.
The Deal
Chicago sent 5th year linebacker Jamar Williams to Carolina for sixth year safety Chris Harris, with whom the Bears immediately re-worked his existing contract.
Welcome back buddy!
What the Bears gave up:
Jamar Williams has been a back-up outside linebacker buried on a depth chart full of back-up outside linebackers. He was never going to see playing time at the weak side unless Lance Briggs became injured and the strong side is a logjam with Hunter Hillenmeyer, Nick Roach and the re-signed Pisa Tinoisamoa. Shipping Williams off to Carolina at least gives him a chance for significant playing time while gaining an asset of value to the Bears.
What the Bears are getting:
Chris Harris is a bona fide NFL starting strong safety. After his two years in Chicago, he became one one of the most consistent performers for the Panthers, making a name for himself with numerous forced fumbles and aggressive tackling. (He racked up 96 tackles and 8 forced fumbles in '07.) Unfortunately for Harris, he suffered the same fate as Williams. Carolina simply has too many young safeties to keep on the roster and Harris was too expensive to retain. While Harris is not a superstar at the position, he is an instant upgrade over any safety on the roster. Despite Lovie Smith's coy answers, Harris is the starter at strong safety, count on it.
What the deal means:
The Bears traded a decent back-up linebacker for an above-average starting strong safety. That's a win in my book. Now this means the newly drafted Major Wright will compete for the starting free safety spot finishing a complete overhaul of Chicago's safety position in just five days. Also, anything that keeps Danieal Manning away from free safety is fine by my book. His best defensive position at the nickel corner spot. Strong safety Kevin Payne will likely seek his release now that he'll be behind Harris and Craig Steltz on the depth chart. This trade is also the closest we'll get to an admission of guilt from the Bears' front office. Trading away Harris three years ago was a mistake and they recognize that now. Well done Jerry, well done.
During this off-season the Bears have made countless signings, trades and draft picks in order to reload on defense. Bringing in a tough, durable veteran who knows the system like Harris can only help. Behind a new-look defensive line and a hopefully healthy line-backing corps, Harris and Wright should stabilize the safety spot for the next few years.
Other news:
-Guard Alan Faneca signed a one-year $2.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals, so no-go on that front. It would have been a decent signing, but we'll see what Faneca has left in the tank.
-Director of college scouting Greg Gabriel will not be brought back at his position. This has been in the works for some time, it just didn't make sense to bring in someone new when Gabriel had done all his scouting work for the draft already. This opens the door for ex-Seahawk GM Tim Ruskell to step in.
It's been a while, but Happy Jay Cutler Day!
Keywords: Alan Faneca, Chicago Bears, Chris Harris, Greg Gabriel, Jamar Williams, Jerry Angelo, Joe Anello, Lovie Smith, Major Wright, NFL
