Kevin Seifert, ESPN Staff Writer 5y

Chicago Bears' 2019 free-agent signings: Take chance on Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

A breakdown of the Chicago Bears' 2019 free-agent signings.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, safety

The Bears agreed to terms with Clinton-Dix on a one-year deal Thursday. Here's a closer look at the offensive safety who spent last season with the Green Bay Packers and Washington Redskins:

What it means: The Bears have a former first-round pick on a prove-it contract to serve as a much cheaper alternative to Adrian Amos, who signed a four-year, $37 million deal this week with the Packers. Clinton-Dix, 26, was a Pro Bowl player as recently as 2016, but his play dipped thereafter and the Packers finally gave up on him midway through last season by trading him to the Redskins. If he can rebound in 2019, Clinton-Dix will set himself up for a bigger payday next spring.

What's the risk: The Bears will be Clinton-Dix's third team in a calendar year. That speaks to the assessment of more than a few personnel and coaching staffs of his play and projected future. But it's not as if the Bears have committed a sizable chunk of cash or cap. If it doesn't work out, they can move on cleanly without a cap charge in 2020.


Cordarrelle Patterson, wide receiver

The Bears agreed to terms with Patterson on a two-year, $5 million contract Tuesday. Here's a closer look at the receiver/returner who spent last season with the New England Patriots:

What it means: The Bears added yet another player who is tough to match up against in space. Patterson is the NFL's best kickoff returner, of course, but he showed in New England last season that he could be productive when used in unconventional ways in an offense. Bears coach Matt Nagy specializes in developing those situations; see his use of scat back Tarik Cohen and also his trick plays on the goal line. He'll no doubt have plenty of creative ideas for Patterson.

What's the risk: At this price point, there really isn't much risk. Patterson has never really been successful in a traditional receiver's role. He's limited in terms of the routes he runs well, and can't necessarily be counted on to play a full game at the position. And as good as he is as a returner, the NFL's trend toward touchbacks will minimize his opportunities.


Mike Davis, running back

The Bears agreed to terms with Davis on Monday. Here's a closer look at the running back who spent the previous two seasons with the Seattle Seahawks:

What it means: Last season Davis proved he is ready for more than a backup role with the Seahawks, averaging 4.6 yards on 112 carries as their No. 2 running back. His arrival raises questions about the future of starter Jordan Howard. Do the Bears intend to have Howard, Davis and Tarik Cohen together in their backfield?

What's the risk: A running back's best years often come during his first contract, and Davis has started only eight games in his career. It's one thing if the Bears' plan is to use Davis alongside Howard, but quite another if they plan to turn over the bulk of their carries to a player of his experience level.


Buster Skrine, cornerback

The Bears agreed to terms with Skrine on Monday. Here's a closer look at the cornerback who spent the previous four seasons with the New York Jets:

What it means: Skrine can play outside and in the slot, giving the Bears some veteran depth. It also calls into questions whether the Bears will retain Bryce Callahan, last season's slot cornerback. Callahan is a pending free agent and might be in line for a decent payday.

What's the risk: Skrine will be 30 when the season starts. He also has been flagged for more penalties (74) than any other NFL player since he entered the league in 2011. But his propensity for penalties didn't scare the Bears off. Nor did it scare off the Jets when they signed Skrine in 2015.


Ted Larsen, offensive lineman

The Bears signed Larsen on Wednesday. Here's a closer look at the offensive lineman who spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins:

What it means: As he did during his first tenure with the Bears in 2016, Larsen will provide depth at multiple positions. The Bears have set starters at center (Cody Whitehair) and both guard spots (Kyle Long and James Daniels), but Larsen can elevate if needed. He started 13 games last season for the Dolphins and has made 86 starts in his career.

What's the risk: There isn't much. Larsen will be 32 when the season starts, but as a backup/spot starter, that in itself isn't a big deal.


Pat O'Donnell, punter

The Bears agreed to terms with O'Donnell on a two-year, $4 million deal Monday. Here's a closer look at the punter who spent the past five seasons with the Bears.

What it means: The Bears have secured a reliable part of their special teams battery, even as they continue to search for a new placekicker. O'Donnell ranked sixth in the NFL last season by placing 46.8 percent of his punts inside the 20-yard line. That kind of drive start is especially difficult for opposing offenses, which would then be asked to drive 80-plus yards for a touchdown against the Bears' tough defense.

What's the risk: There really aren't many. O'Donnell has missed only one game since joining the Bears in 2014.

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