Chicago Bears Sniffing Around More Cornerback Help

The Chicago Bears have kept their focus on two areas to start free agency. One is the defensive front seven, and the other is the offensive line. That isn’t a surprise since both were terrible in 2022. They added two quality linebackers in Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. DeMarcus Walker joins the defensive line as a versatile inside-outside presence. Last but not least comes Nate Davis, an athletic and violent guard from Tennessee. Not bad work from GM Ryan Poles thus far. However, he still has work to do.

One spot that could use a boost is cornerback. The Bears have Jaylon Johnson as a solid #1 option. Rookie Kyler Gordon made a lot of progress down the stretch last season. Their secondary would be set if Chicago could find one more quality piece. A source informed SM that the team is very interested in 25-year-old veteran Byron Murphy. The former 2nd round pick spent the past four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, emerging as one of their most reliable players in the secondary.

Murphy is exactly what the Chicago Bears covet.

He is smart, instinctive, athletic, and physical. Last season was tough for him as he missed eight games with a back injury. However, 2021 was his best season, with four interceptions, 12 passes defended, and a forced fumble. What stands out the most is his versatility. He can play inside or outside. That would give the Bears tons of flexibility, along with Gordon. There is no question he would be a significant upgrade over Kindle Vildor or anybody else they have on the roster.

The challenge is the price tag. Young corners can be expensive. The Chicago Bears are hoping he will drop his demands a little from where they currently are. It remains to be seen if another team meets his demand. The longer this plays out, the more it favors Poles. Adding Murphy would knock out another roster need for the Bears as the draft draws closer. As always, negotiations are fluid and things change fast. There is no doubt he can help the team if it goes through.