This player is an under-the-radar free agent who could emerge as a contributor
While we have seen time and time in the past that you can't build a championship-caliber team via free agency, you still have to sign a few contributors during the off-season. You cannot expect to have your 22 starters coming via the draft. Well, Bears senior writer Larry Mayer was asked who he believes could be a contributor from the free agents GM Ryan Poles brought in in the past few months.
Who is an under-the-radar free agent the Bears signed who could emerge as a regular contributor this season?
Answer:
Young is 28 years old. He previously played for the Baltimore Ravens. He was a 4th round selection by Baltimore and he started 24 games in his first 6 seasons.
He has a very difficult history of injuries. In fact, Young suffered three different season-ending injuries, costing him all of his 2017 (knee) and 2019 (neck) campaigns and most of 2020 (knee). Those injuries derailed a career that looked so promising. Prior to his 3rd year in Baltimore, Young signed what was then the richest contract for a slot cornerback following a breakout 2018 season.
However, the good news is that Young was able to fight back and play all 17 games last year without getting injured. This was a great sign!
Young was such a beloved player in Baltimore by both his teammates and the fans. When the news of his release got out, there were dozens of Twitter responses from his teammates saying what an amazing player he was on and off the field.
I truly believe Young is a very talented player that can thrive in Matt Eberflus' system which should fit very well his game. Eberflus will be able to utilize him the same way he was used in Baltimore. Young is also an amazing tackler at the cornerback position. A lot of players in the secondary are afraid to get physical, but he is not one of them. This move could yield tremendous dividends for the Bears next season.
