Chicago Bears Allegedly Showing Interest in Experienced Slot Cornerback
As the Chicago Bears gear up for the upcoming training camp - with players slated to start reporting on July 25th and the first practice penciled in for the 27th - they find themselves with just six days left to potentially shuffle their roster. The general consensus predicts the Bears will add a new pass rusher to their ranks. This rumor mill has been churning for a while. But, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the pass rusher isn't the only piece on the Bears' chessboard. Fowler revealed on Thursday that the Bears, alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars, have set their sights on veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet.
Maulet, initially undrafted, has chalked up two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, carving a niche for himself as a key player in their nickel corner. His performance last year was his finest yet, recording 59 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. However, the off-season saw Maulet's relationship with Pittsburgh sour over their hesitation to offer him a more substantial contract. Consequently, he asked for, and was granted, release from the team. Now he's on the hunt for a new gridiron to call home, and the Bears' interest in him has taken many by surprise.
The Bears' cornerback ensemble this year is notably young, and the addition of a seasoned player like Maulet could bring a much-needed balance. At 27, Greg Stroman Jr. holds the title of the oldest player in the team, while the rest are all 25 or younger, including the rookies Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith. With over 1700 snaps under his belt and a 30th birthday behind him, Maulet brings to the table a wealth of experience. He's shown his capacity for guiding younger players before and could provide stiff competition for Kyler Gordon at the nickel position. From this standpoint, signing Maulet could be a prudent move for the Bears.
However, the deciding factor may well be financial. Maulet's departure from Pittsburgh was spurred by a contract disagreement, suggesting he's seeking a substantial offer. The Bears have the deepest pockets in the league and could feasibly match any offer thrown at Maulet by Jacksonville or other potential suitors. But the question remains if they will. Bears' GM, Ryan Poles, has a reputation for not overcompensating, particularly where older players are concerned. This could make for an intriguing negotiation. That said, if all pieces fall into place, Maulet would be a valuable asset to the Bears.
| POLL | ||
20 JUILLET | 30 ANSWERS Chicago Bears Allegedly Showing Interest in Experienced Slot Cornerback Should the bears sign another Cornerback? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 56.7 % |
| No | 13 | 43.3 % |
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