Chicago Bears: The 5 Worst-Case Free Agency Scenarios for Them Post-Lockout

As Bears fans, we all would like a scenario where Bears GM Jerry Angelo finally gives his QB, Jay Cutler, the weapons he needs to be successful. Another offensive lineman to go with Gabe Carimi and a true No. 1 wide receiver like Sidney Rice.

But those are the best-case scenarios for Chicago. What would be a more pessimistic (and some would say "realistic") situation for the Bears to find themselves in?

Well, there are two ways to look at this. One is to go with the absolute worst outcome, which would be for the Bears to start the season without acquiring any outside free agents, while losing all of their own.

But that isn't likely to happen.

Instead, I'll focus on the most critical of their own free agents, as well as some lesser names on the market who could still help the Bears. They may not be as exciting as a Rice, or a Santana Moss, for example, but at least they would provide some help.

So let's look at what might happen with the glass half empty.

They Fail to Re-Sign Olin Kruetz

Now don't get me wrong, Kruetz isn't the stud he once was. Fifteen years in the NFL will do that for you.

But there are a couple reasons why it's vital that the Bears don't allow their veteran center to walk away once the lockout is lifted and he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

First, he's the only true center the Bears have, and there aren't a lot of great alternatives out on the free agent market. For the ones that are available, it would suck away precious time for Angelo to use to obtain other free agents the team needs.

Second, he's a leader on this team, knows the system, and good offensive line play relies on, in part, consistency and communication.  Kruetz is the signal-caller on the line.

Bears Sign Free Agent Marshal Yanda, G, Ravens

Under this worst-case scenario, all of the really good offensive linemen are gone. But that doesn't mean they get totally shut out.

Sure, drafting Gabe Carimi was a huge boost for the line, and bringing Olin Kruetz back for one more year would be sensible. But they still need some help.

Doug Free will likely resign with the Dallas Cowboys. Davin Joseph of the Bucs has durability issues, but can really play when healthy, and the Bears could use a guard. But he's gone too.

Harvey Dahl would be tremendous, but he probably will remain with the Falcons, as will teammate Tyson Clabo.

Meanwhile, Jermon Bushrod has had some issues, but as one of the few left tackles with starting experience, even if the Saints don't re-sign him, expect that someone else will scoop him up.

Robert Gallery would be a good fit for the Bears, but remember, this is supposed to be a worst-case scenario here.

So the Bears, in an effort to bring in depth, go get Yanda. The Ravens used him as a fill-in at right tackle, but with Carimi expected to take that spot, he could challenge for a starting job at guard.

Bears Pass on a No. 1 and Take Saints WR Lance Moore

Best-case scenario would have the Bears bringing in a true No. 1 wideout for Jay Cutler. For example, Sidney Rice, Santana Moss, Santonio Holmes and even Braylon Edwards come to mind.

Another excellent signing would be the Chargers' Malcolm Floyd. Although he's not a true No. 1, he's big and would fit in well in contrast to the smaller Chicago wideouts.

But no, in this worst-case scenario (well, OK, if it was truly worst-case the Bears would get no one), the Bears settle for Lance Moore from the Saints.

He's not a bad consolation prize, but at 5'9" he certainly won't add the size the Bears need.

Still, he performed well as a complementary receiver in New Orleans and runs solid routes. He's especially good in the red zone, a trouble area for Cutler throughout his career.

Gabe Carimi or Stephen Paea Is a Hold Out, Get Injured or Are Ineffective

One of the first things the Bears need to do after the lockout is lifted is to sign their draft picks. And admittedly, a hold-out will be less likely under the proposed new rules with the rookie wage scale.

But this is worst-case, remember, so let's say that either one of the team's top two draft choices fail to report. This would stunt their development and put a huge dent in the Bears plans.

Paea is expected to take the place of Tommie Harris as the three-technique, and Carimi is expected to start at right tackle, with J'Marcus Webb moving over to protect Cutler's blind side.

A lot depends on these guys. In addition to a hold out, they could get hurt or just not play well and force the Bears to sign a DT or another OT in free agency, taking money away from other needs. 

Bears Fail to Re-Sign Their Linebackers and Special Teamers

If the Bears are unable to reel Adams and back in, it won't be a disaster, as neither one are projected as starters. But it may force the team to spend money on free agents to fill depth needs and special teams.

This would take the focus away from filling critical needs on the offensive line and at wide receiver.

Adams does the dirty work inside and may be needed until Stephen Paea proves himself.

Nick Roach is valuable simply because the only linebackers the Bears have signed right now are Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs.

Meanwhile, Brian Iwuh and Corey Graham are valuable special teams contributors, although Graham leaving is actually fairly likely, as the Bears aren't inclined to play him as a corner.