NFL Free Agency 2011: 10 Free Agents the Chicago Bears Still Must Target

In a recent press conference, Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo made it fairly obvious that he is done collecting free agents. While he didn't explicitly say that, the implication was clear.

But mere words won't stop us from searching, even though the free agent market is slim pickings at this point. There still may be some bargain shopping for the Bears to do. 

Recognizing that, we're here to let Mr. Angelo know that we aren't settling for what the Bears have brought in. Sure, drafting Gabe Carimi and Stephen Paea were solid moves, and while Marion Barber was a bit of a head scratcher, he should supplant Chester Taylor as the short yardage back.

Meanwhile, punter Brad Maynard was swapped for Adam Podlesh, and wide receiver Roy Williams was signed. The Bears also re-signed several of their own guys.

But we can't stop there. The Bears need another wideout even though the best ones are now gone.

Additionally, the offensive line still could use improvement. Is there anyone out there to help the Bears? There isn't much quality left, but Angelo said to name names, and so let's try.

  

Braylon Edwards, WR, Jets

Edwards would be another tall wide receiver for Jay Cutler to throw to, offsetting the shorter wideouts like Devin Hester and Johnny Knox.

Just in case Roy Williams gets hurt, or throws a hissy fit, Edwards could come in to save the day.

He's not a true No. 1 wideout like Bears fans had hoped for, but in this market, he will do.

Edwards caught 53 balls for 904 yards in 2010, with seven touchdowns. He had his best year back in 2007 when the former Jets receiver had 80 receptions for 1,289 yards and 16 TDs.

Well, Edwards was certainly a real No. 1 wideout back then.

With a strong-armed Cutler throwing him the ball, he could return to glory.

Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers

Floyd is yet another, even taller, wideout that the Bears must consider signing. He stands 6'5" and while he turns 30 in September, he is coming off of consecutive consistent seasons.

He caught just 37 balls last year, but he averaged just under 20 yards per catch, with a career-high six touchdowns. He did that in 11 games.

Injuries have been a concern for Floyd, but when healthy, he can be that big target that Cutler hasn't had since Denver when he connected with Brandon Marshall.

Kirk Morrison, LB, Jags

The ex-Raider was supposed to re-sign with Jacksonville, but he is still available. Sure, he's played mostly in the middle, but he can play outside linebacker as well.

Morrison would not only provide insurance against an injury to Brian Urlacher, but he could give the team some much-needed depth at the linebacker position.

Carlos Rogers, CB, Redskins

The one knock against Rogers is that he just turned 30 years old. But the longtime Redskin is still capable of providing coverage on the edge as a starter.

The Bears have lots of players, but the only one who is solidly set at corner is Charles Tillman. Why not go out and get Rogers? After all, they have to face the Packers' Aaron Rodgers twice and that won't be a picnic.

He has decent size and would be an upgrade over anyone they have.

Sean Locklear, OT, Seahawks

Locklear is not good at opening up lanes for the running game, but he is solid in pass protection and with Mike Martz running the offense, the Bears could use him.

Even if J'Marcus Webb starts at left tackle and newly drafted Gabe Carimi on the right (or vice-versa), berining in Locklear would be good for depth in passing downs and protection against injuries or if the rookie struggles early.

Donte Whitner, S, Bills

Once Whitner's asking price comes down to more reasonable levels, expect Whitner to be more in demand. So far, he's had an unrealistic price tag of around $8 million.

His 140 tackles last year were near the tops in the league and his 3.4 percent miss-tackle rate was top four in the league and 140 tackles was the most of any of the other top five in the tackling efficiency category. When all is said and done, statistically Whitner was one of the best and surest tacklers in the league.

Chinedum Ndukwe, S, Bengals

Just in case Whitner doesn't work out, the Bears could always bring in Ndukwe to play safety so that the young and unproven Major Wright doesn't have to carry too heavy a load.

Ndukwe finished last season on injured reserve with a torn left MCL, but should be a capable backup to provide much-needed depth for the Bears.

A guy who works hard and is said to be coachable, Ndukwe brings the no nonsense attitude that would make him an ideal fit in the Colts backfield.

Leonard Davis, G, Cowboys

Hey, the Bears have already brought in three ex-Cowboys, may as well make it four.

Davis is 33, but was released by the 'Boys in more of a cost-cutting move. He is reportedly in better shape than last year, and would probably come cheaply.

He may not be a starter but he could provide valuable depth for the Bears at the guard position. He's also played both tackle spots in his career.

Rocky McIntosh, OLB, Redskins

The Bears could sue some depth at linebackers, and McIntosh is a decent weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

He was lost in the 3-4 employed by Washington last season, but he's only 28 and can provide help for Chicago in their defensive scheme.

Pisa Tinoisamoa, OLB, Bears

Perhaps the Bears have the answer to weakside depth at the linebacker position right in their own backyard.

Tinoisamoa is a free agent who missed time with a knee problem, but had a pretty solid year as the Bears two-down strongside linebacker.