Breakout USFL Star Should Be On Chicago Bears’ Radar

The Chicago Bears owe it to themselves to explore any and all avenues to help their roster get better. That includes dabbling in other leagues for talent. They’ve already done it once before last season when they signed linebacker DeMarquis Gates fresh off his productive stint with the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions. It isn’t ridiculous to think GM Ryan Poles might look to that avenue a second time if the right player is available. Now that most of the teams have watched their seasons end, the time might be right.

If there is one name the Bears have every reason to pursue, it’s Breeland Speaks. The defensive lineman was a 2nd round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. He spent two seasons with them, but injuries and a suspension saw him cut before the third year. The next three years were spent bouncing around the league as a journeyman on practice squads. Tired of not getting an opportunity, Speaks joined the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. What followed was a breakout campaign where he led the league with nine sacks (in 10 games), helping the team make the playoffs.

The Chicago Bears could use someone like Speaks.

While he isn’t the game-changing pass rush presence they likely seek, there is no question he could add some quality depth to one of their weakest positions on the roster. One of the problems that persisted early in his career was a lack of clarity on where he played. Some saw him as a defensive tackle, others as a defensive end. The Panthers’ coaching staff decided to commit him to a 4-3 defensive end spot this past year. Speaks flourished in the role. His scouting reports always showed a good athlete with solid length and versatility.

That sounds like somebody this Chicago Bears coaching staff would like. He won’t be expensive to acquire. No doubt Speaks is eager for a real opportunity in the NFL. He is still only 27 years old. GM Ryan Poles knows him well from his team with the Chiefs’ front office. Head coach Matt Eberflus is no stranger to players of Speaks’ body type. If the guy has matured as this past season seems to suggest, there is every reason to give him a look. The Bears have serious depth concerns at defensive end. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look.